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“There have been distinguished collections of Smetana’s symphonic poems (notably a vintage Kubelik disc) but none quite to compare with this in excitement, richness of detail and, in the case of ‘Wallenstein’s Camp’, sonic spectacle – how well Smetana writes for the brass!… Gianandrea Noseda draws wonderfully characterful and spontaneous playing from the BBC Philharmonic, and the Chandos engineers surpass themselves with the realistic vividness of the sound and the naturalness of the balance. Not to be missed.” - Gramophone “Noseda conducts the BBC Philharmonic orchestra in scintillating, compellingly atmospheric, deeply considered and richly coloured performances.” - The Sunday Times “Excellent Noseda conducts a vibrant programme of theatre music and symphonic poems inspired by literature. There’s more to Smetana than Ma Vlast.” - Classic FM A defining release of Smetana's symphonic music, this recording from the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Gianandrea Noseda presents a selection of the Czech composer's rich and inventive symphonic poems and other short pieces. The selection ranges from the beautiful (The Fisherman) to the festive (The Peasant Woman) and the tragic (Wallenstein's Camp), displaying not only Smetana's emotive range but his command of the orchestral medium.