This recording of a very particular
live performance represents the crossing of a number of
historical moments, such as a musician may only rarely be privileged to experience. While
orchestras are frequently called upon to play for
scripted ceremonious occasions, this performance had
both unscriptable spontaneity as well as a deeply rooted
Czech emotion and pride that welled up through the
events of 1989/90 combined with the return of a long
self-exiled patriot conductor, and the passion of this
singularly national piece, Smetana’s “Ma Vlast”
(My Fatherland) as it can be played – nay,
“celebrated” - only by the Czech Philharmonic.
Events leap-frogged with
breathtaking velocity in that year as the iron curtain
fell. The shackles of Soviet domination in Eastern
Europe were thrown off as the pent-up will of the people
overthrew their oppressive regimes. A key role in this
string of events was played in Prague. This fact was not
lost on Rafael Kubelik, a composer/conductor, who in
1968 had exiled himself from his beloved Fatherland,
Czechoslovakia, when Russian tanks rolled in to Prague
to quell an uprising and establish Soviet rule. Kubelik
did continue an immensely successful conducting career, based
in Munich and guest conducting in all of Europe, all the
while proudly yearning for his homeland and maintaining
his principled stance against the communist regime
there. He had since retired to Switzerland and was in
very ill health, no longer able to conduct. Following
closely the events of that year, his health rallied and,
when the walls fell and the Czech people were able to
regain their sovereignty, a musical reunion was planned
which resulted in this truly inspired performance.
I have had the pleasure of twice
hearing this orchestra perform Ma Vlast live
(although not this particular performance). The Czech
Philharmonic possesses a distinctively luxurious
orchestral culture, which draws upon both a very deeply
rooted folksy musicality as well as the highest
refinements of symphonic polish going back to Mozart’s
experiences in Prague and much earlier yet. I encourage
you to listen for the wonderfully natural, unforced
playing, and to the unity and cohesiveness of phrasing,
balance, and blend, as well as the heart-felt inflection
of the musicians playing “their” music.
Relax and enjoy
listening!
Wednesday 2/23/05 in
MA452, 4-6pm
