The phenomenon of music recordings featuring the works of Bedřich Smetana

The renown of Bedřich Smetana's personality grew in the 20th century thanks to the development of music recording technology and the gradual worldwide distribution of these recordings, given the nature of the music, which does not require an interpreter. This allowed people to listen to the music not only in concert halls but also, repeatedly, in the comfort of their own homes. Music recordings therefore became a very popular way to give a gift to loved ones, and also gave rise to a new form of collecting, where people could directly compare different recordings of the same piece performed by various artists. The phonograph industry, as a newly emerging area of commerce, also brought artistic value. The exhibition presents the phenomenon of music recordings featuring the works of Bedřich Smetana, focusing on world-renowned performers, conductors, and musical ensembles. It also showcases the design of the record covers, which reflected artistic trends and the tastes of the time, both at home and abroad.

Narodnimuzeum.cz/Jana Černá