Smetana Collection

Bedřich Smetana was a Czech composer born in Bohemia and later became a national symbol of Czech culture. Smetana's musical style was influenced by Czech folk music, classical traditions and romanticism. He is best known for his cycle of six symphonic poems called "Má Vlast" (My Homeland), which is considered to be the cornerstone of Czech classical music. This cycle of works is based on Czech history and legends and reflects Smetana's deep patriotism and love for his country. "The Moldau", the second piece from "Má Vlast", is one of his most famous works and is one of the most frequently performed pieces of classical music in the world. This composition portrays the flow of the Moldau River and is a masterpiece of tone painting.

- Smetana was also a prolific composer of operas, including "The Bartered Bride", which is considered to be one of the greatest national operas in the world. This work, which premiered in 1866, blends elements of Czech folk music with traditional operatic forms.

- This extensive collection contains the complete orchestral works, the two passionate and highly personal string quartets, the dramatic Piano Trio, a generous selection of piano music, including the complete Czech Dances, and the opera The Bartered Bride, sung in German.

- Performers include the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Theodore Kuchar (Classics Today writes: "Performance: 9. Theodore Kuchar and his forces tackle Ma Vlast with plenty of enthusiasm and vigor; indeed, from Sarka onward this is one of the best versions available."), the Czech Stamic Quartet, Czech pianist Antonín Kubálek, Roberto Plano, and the Staatskapelle Dresden/Otmar Suitner.

- A substantial and valuable Collection by a highly influential Czech composer who made significant contributions to the classical music repertoire. Smetana is remembered as a passionate patriot who captured the spirit of his country in his compositions and helped to establish a unique national identity through his music.