Smetana: Má Vlast

This recording of Ma Vlast is one of the best intrepretations of the work I have ever heard. From the opening rush of notes on the harp that introduces "Vysherad" to the exhilorating climax of "Blanik" Levine is in utter control of this material. The tempi is very well-chosen and the Viennese players respond excellently to him. Never has a recorded version of this work kept a listener spellbound since Kubelik. Not forgetting the recorded sound, which is from DG's top drawer. If there was only one recording of Ma Vlast that a listener could choose, this is what I would recommend.