Smetana: Má Vlast (My Homeland)

He is the acknowledged expert on the Czech repertoire, trained by the legendary Ji?i Belohlávek and appointed to lead the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra back to its Czech roots. Following the 16-year era Jonathan Nott established in Bamberg, which recently came to an end with outstanding interpretations, all of Germany is now looking to the superb Bamberg orchestra, which is also celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. And what better way for a Czech chief conductor to take up his post than with the cycle of symphonic poems that embodies the soul of Czech music better than any other work: Bed?ich Smetana’s Ma Vlast/My Homeland. From the very first chords of Vyšehrad, it is clear that Hruša is exactly the right man for this music and this orchestra. By Vltava/The Moldau, we are entirely convinced—indeed, overwhelmed. And in the Hussite pieces Tábor and Blaník, an interpretation like this makes it clear why these two tone poems, often given little attention in Germany but celebrated as national treasures in the Czech Republic, form the heart and climax of Smetana’s cycle.