Ma Vlast
Please be aware that this DVD is PAL, not playable in the U.S. So I need to return it back to the vendor.
A stunning new Ma Vlast
Strength may not always be in numbers, and deep commitment rarely is. This recording proves to be the exception. Jiri Belohlávek (remember his wonderful performances in the 1993 Arthaus DVD Dvorak cycle?) has assembled 130 young players - including five harpists! - of the Prague Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra for the opening concert of the Prague Spring Festival 2011 and its traditional performance of Smetana's Ma Vlast. An appealing documentary illustrates the extended rehearsals and the spirited cooperation of the many musicians and others involved in this ambitious project. The concert itself is recorded in very good PCM Stereo and equally good video: no small feat given the orchestra's size and the limitations of the Prague Smetana Hall. Belohlávek - a strict taskmaster but visibly revered by the musicians - has a firm grip on his large band, and the orchestra plays like a first-rate ensemble after a few warm-up minutes. Keep in mind that these young musicians do...
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