Performed for Czech Radio over five separate days in June 1973 this cleanly-recorded Ma vlast is among the noblest now available. Right from the opening harp cadenza, Krombholc has his eyes set on the home straight: not for him the febrile excitablity of Levine (DG, 10/87) or Kubelik's embracing lyricism (DG 4/90, Orfeo, 5/85 or Supraphon, 9/91), rather, he favours rhythmic solidity, internal clarity (marred, very occasionally, by the odd instrumental impression) and a strong presentation of the work's seemingly ramshackle structure. In fact, Krombholc's main claim to our attentions is his ability to forge Ma vlast into a sort of six-movement symphony, with ''Sarka'' as a savage scherzo and ''Blanik'' the inevitable apotheosis. And it is that sense of inevitability that proves so compelling. Still, Kubelik moves me more: of his versions currently available, I'd opt for the notably un-generous two-CD Munich performance on Orfeo although I note that his urgent 1950s VPO recording is currently out in Europe and America on a single Decca Weekend Classics disc.'