B. Smetana: Vltava (Moldau) - Valérie Milot, harp/harpe

Bedrich Smetana, trans. H. Trnecek
Mà Vlast: Vltava (Moldau)
performed by/ interprété par Valérie Milot

Excerpt from CD "Watercolours" released in 2012 | Analekta
Extrait du disque "Aquarelles" paru en 2012 | Analekta

[Gitternmaker]

In case anyone isn't familiar with the repertoire - this is a piece which normally requires at least a 40-piece orchestra. She's playing it on one harp. There is very little missing, she's making it work musically, and she's playing it with tremendous sensitivity. What she's doing here is almost impossible.

[bobjones]

This literally improved the quality of my existence

[EvelynRose]

Those pedal changes are INSANE. There was a part where she was changing pedals every beat. As a harpist I have nothing but respect for that.

[LeTheGenD]

Wait, did she memories an 11 minute long piece and played it perfectly by heart? Respect.

[indigofire]

What I love the most about really advanced musicians, is their expression as the piece they're playing unfolds. Some musicians are overly expressive for the sake of showing off, but the ones who are humble in their performance produce the most authentic and honest responses. When Valérie faintly furrows her brow when the piece becomes dark and intense, or smiles ever so slightly when it switches to light and dainty major, I just fall that much more in love with the music. It's like when a narrator reacts to a story as they tell it, and it makes it so much more immersive.

[b.marsickova]

As a native Czech, I like Vltava and it is emotional for me to hear it being played by such a beautiful instrument as the harp. Bravo Valérie! It is beautiful, perfect, admirable and immensely difficult.👏👏

[rbaleksandar]

A proof this instrument was designed and made in Heaven.

[pianofever]

It was the sound of harp music that comforted me after the loss of my little boy. I believe the tune was called The Littlest Cowpoke. I played and replayed it dozens of times and wept and wept. The harp softened the blows of such painful grief.

[carolwoodharp]

Everyone has already said so many wonderful things in the comments. I can only add that I am so grateful that you are in the world, Valerie. It’s a supreme experience to see and hear you play.

[PC-cfpg]

Absolument magnifique. Vous remplacez un orchestre symphonique à vous toute seule. Exceptionnel ! Merci du fond du cœur.

[normandlebrun]

Valérie ! Hier, j'ai eu la chance de vous voir jouer cette pièce en personne sur "Apollonia" . J'ai ressenti le besoin de revenir vous écouter . Merci pour cette magnifique prestation ! Vous avez un nouveau fan . ;-)

[TamaraMead]

As a harpist, this is one of my favorite orchestral pieces, and Valerie Milot's performance and interpretation is simply unmatched. This will be the gold standard for anyone learning the piece. Bravo!

[stmartinsdiver]

As a non-musician, playing a harp at all looks just impossible, but Valerie makes it look effortless and the sound she produces is wonderful - I was totally entranced by this performance.

[natouellet]

Les notes de musique coulent comme une pluie fine dans un doux ruisseau. C'est magique.

[ИгорьСорокин-бэ]

Шедевральное испонение оркестрового произведения на одном инструменте.
Аккустика потрясающая.
Браво!!!👏👏👏

[kevi]

this was probably the prettiest piece of music i heard of my life played by a single person

[arraynetheelf]

I heard this musical piece once at a school function in elementary school and never forgot the main theme. Ive been looking for it for years online. Today, I randomly chose this harp piece, and "eureka!" ☺ One of my favorite days in childhood was a spring morning in my front yard. It had rained a great deal lately, and the creek was overflowing. I hummed this tune and watched droplets fall with their sweet rhythm all over the brilliant green grass. I dont know why this memory is so potent to me, but I cherish it.

[tobyconn]

As a classically trained violinist for over 10 years, I am now beginning to want to learn this beautiful instrument, too. It's magical and thrilling. Even more than anything I can make on my violin.

[KaleighMacKay]

I can’t stop listening to this. Her playing is so fluid and flawless.

[evakadlecova]

Nádhera neskutečná nádhera úplně mi vlhnou oči bravo!! 👏👏👏👏