Search - My Country [DVD Video] on DVD

A Truly Great Conductor

Harvey Brenner | of Sunnyvale, California | 08/03/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Supraphon has just released this historical DVD, culminating a 43 CD Gold Edition survey on the art and performances of Karel Ancerl. He was a great Czech conductor who succeeded Vaclav Talich as Chief Conductor of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra in the period of 1950 until 1968, and among many other achievements in Europe and Canada. Ancerl's life was one of hardship, great tragedy and success.

The quality and sound of the 155 minute black and white presentation are considered quite acceptable when one considers it was filmed in 1966 and 1968. The accompanying booklet is both informative and first class in every respect. Included in the film is a commentary by Ancerl on his conducting philosophy, and about his life during the trying and tragic time of the German occupation and the subsequent Soviet takeover of his country.

Featured are performances of Smetana's Ma Vlast ( My Country ) and Beethoven's Violin Concerto, with Henryk Szerying as the soloist. Both were performed at the Smetana Hall in Prague during the Prague Spring International Music Festivals in 1966 and 1968. Ancerl and the Czech Philharmonic are first rate in Ma Vlast, but the Violin Concerto is given a less than stellar performance by the soloist.

This DVD is a fitting testament to one of the greatest conductors of the 20th.Century and is an excellent value for money."