Má vlast: No. 2, Vltava (The Moldau)

“This magical symphonic poem by Bedřich Smetana is a must listen. Smetana, like Beethoven was completely deaf by the end of his career -- these pieces were written as it hearing quickly faded. Ma Vlast translates to My Fatherland and Vltava the major river of Czechoslovakia. But listening to this piece, the second movement Vltava especially, it also feels like its about a life in a place more than just a place. I've always imagined it as spanning his life... you can hear the wonder of early childhood move into the careless fun of adolescence and so on. It's really really great. Also... a song so good that the Nazi's banned it when it emerged as an anthem for Czechoslovakian independence -- got the people going.”