Sir Colin Davis's Dvorák is famous, his Smetana just as deeply felt; some of the speeds are on the broad side (especially in Vltava) yet there's a warmth and generous flexibility that works particularly well in the countryside, and the final slaughter in Sarka, or the torrents of the St Johns Rapids in Vltava, are despatched with real violence by the LSO.

the LSO's unforced brilliance constantly[shone] forth …The players rose to the occasion with the virtuosity and commitment that are their hallmark. Under Davis' direction, Smetana's depiction of natural phenomena and rustic scenes sprang to life

an irresistible pageant of Czech patriotic fervour, a depiction of ancient battles and pastoral idylls, as well as a revelation of the work's symphonic integrity