We don’t hear enough of Dvořák’s Slavonic Rhapsodies and I think I know why. Listen to the opening of the third – a noble, bardic harp chorale; a direct homage, you might think, to Smetana’s (only slightly earlier) Vyšehrad. But Dvořák’s intentions are altogether less epic. Like most of the works on this disc, this is not art that insists upon itself. It’s inspiration fresh from the source; a composer simply and generously pouring out music because that’s who he is and that’s what he does.

But if you’re listening to this new recording from Tomáš Netopil and the Czech Philharmonic you’ll certainly notice the dew-drop lightness of that pearlescent harp sound; the poignant, questioning oboe (and the bassoon’s hint of woodsmoke) in the woodwind-writing that follows; and the silvery sheen as well as the needlepoint finesse of the violins at low dynamics. This orchestra has rarely sounded as refined, or as characterful, as it does at present, and as with other recent recordings from this orchestra on this label, it’s captured in transparent and atmospheric sound.

Netopil is adept at pacing a grandioso climax and injecting rhythmic tension into a bass line, but these readings never feel forced. The music certainly dances (listen to how he teases at the not-quite waltz of the sixth Legend; the 10th, meanwhile, is positively balletic), but again, he never patronises Dvořák. There’s no suggestion of the folk museum (or its gift shop). The results, with those luminous Czech Philharmonic tone colours, offer countless surprises and delights. Could Netopil have ‘sold’ this glorious music more forcefully? Perhaps, but I’m very glad he didn’t.