Smetana: Má vlast – analogue recordings on LP
Notes on the sound quality of Má vlast recordings released on vinyl. Only all-analogue stereo recordings qualify for this overview.
Work in progress, last edit October 13, 2026.
Fitting six parts on LP
The cycle consists of six parts, which are traditionally fitted on two LPs. The two sides that hold two parts each are typically 23–28 minutes long and thus prone to inner groove distortion.
Rafael Kubelík recordings
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, rec. 1958, Decca
Analogue Anorak reports:
- The early Ace of Diamonds stereo pressing (mid 1960s, grooved label version) has a brittle string sound.
- The mono re-press from the same period sounds better.
- The mid 1970s budget release, cut with an improved head, has a better string sound, but is still not perfect.
- All of the above was questioned by other reviewers.
Boston Symphony Orchestra, rec. 1971, Deutsche Grammophon
Narrow, nasal sound, especially in the strings.
Analogue Anorak reports that the Original Source Series reissue sounds better than the 1958 Decca release, only complains about inner groove distortion on sides 2 and 4.
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra recordings
Karel Ančerl, rec. 1963, Supraphon
Subpar string sound, similar to that of Kubelík's 1971 Deutsche Grammophon recording, but a little more bearable.
Václav Neumann, rec. 1972, Panton
Discogs.
Originally a TV recording and that's exactly how it sounds like. No dynamics, direct dry sound,
prominent and unnatural mids, not enough bass extension. Tympani sound like .. on TV.
The sound is the very opposite of being broad or mellow.
The recording was probably
never planned to be released as a commercial LP. Panton used the recording for a gift LP in 1981
and later it was released for normal distribution. At that time the 1975 Supraphon recording
was already available and offered better sound.
Václav Neumann, rec. 1975, Supraphon
Discogs.
The last analogue recording by this orchestra. In general, it is similar to the 1972 recording
(the same conductor, orchestra and hall; different recording crew). It has broader sound, more dynamics,
more bass, more ambience and space, however mids sound still unnatural in some passages and the recording
lack any sonic sparkle.
Other notable recordings
Václav Neumann, Gewandhaus Orchestra Leipzig, rec. 1968, Eterna
Discogs.
I have not heard the LP yet; the notes below are based on the DSD release:
- slower tempos, more pathetic spirit
- more direct sound, better instrument separation, wider stereo image and a better balanced frequency spectrum (the recordings with CPO are more nasal and mid-heavy)
Walter Süsskind, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, rec. 1975, Turnabout
Dave Hurwitz reports that the recording is great on later digital release, but that the original vinyl did not sound so good. Only quadrophonic pressings are available.
Paavo Berglund, Staatskapelle Dresden, rec. 1979, EMI
Discogs.
Má vlast is fitted on three sides, with two more works by Dvořák on side 4. I.e. two poems are
squeezed at each side, sides 1 and 3
being about 28 minutes long. Interestingly, the cutting engineer decided to back up from the inner area,
modulation of the long sides ends at 68 mm diameter. No inner groove distortion thanks to that, but
the recording lacks the wild dynamics typical for Decca or RCA recordings.
Other than this, the sound is natural and broad. The sound color is better that that of 1975 Neumann/CPO recording
while the dynamics seems more compressed than on Supraphon.
Note that some later releases on LP are digitally remastered.
Dave Hurwitz reports the recording
to be perfect (but he apparently refers to a digital release).
Jakub Hrůša, Bamberg Symphony, rec. 2020
Discogs.
A direct-cut release on three LPs at 45 rpm, the holy grail of the work on vinyl. It was a limited edition and is
no longer available at a reasonable price.
Left out
There is a notable Talich mono recording and one more Kubelik mono recording. There are many exceptional recordings that are digital only, among them the Harnoncourt's stands out.