BEDŘICH SMETANA (1824-1884): Festive Symphony in E, Op. 6, Overture, Polka, Furiant and Dance of the Comedians from The Bartered Bride.
Catalogue Number: 06T032
Label: Naxos
Reference: 8.573672
Format: CD
Price: $11.98
Description: The early, rarely recorded Festive Symphony was composed in 1854 when hopes for Emperor Franz Joseph becoming King of Bohemia were high. The splendid sounds of Smetana’s only formal symphony pre-echo later masterpieces such as Ma Vlast, but his use of the Austrian Imperial anthem became unacceptable in the subsequent spirit of Czech nationalism, resulting in the work’s neglect. RSO Berlin; Darrell Ang.