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Title: Vítězslav Novák Post by: greek on May 17, 2022, 06:46:54 am Vítězslav Novák was born at Kamenice nad Lipou in 1870.
Here is his symphonic poem De Profundis, for large orchestra and organ, opus 67, which appeared in 1941. Remarkable in its muscular counterpoint, it is one of the most potent artistic responses to political events to come from the region. It comes in three sections: I. Largo lugubre - Appassionato doloroso - Tempo del principio II. Meno (largo), molto tranquillo III. Grandioso The B.B.C. Philharmonic Orchestra was directed by Libor Pešek. http://youtu.be/9NzOhQ0onuo (http://youtu.be/9NzOhQ0onuo) Title: Re: Vítězslav Novák Post by: Vandermolen on July 03, 2022, 09:01:12 am It is a profoundly moving work, bravely composed during the Nazi occupation. The South Bohemian Suite is another such work with a defiant political sub-text. I don't agree with the widely held belief that all Novak's greatest works were composed early in his musical career. My favourites come from towards the end of his life. Although not a tone poem we badly need a new recording of his masterpiece 'The Storm' (which is an earlier work).
Title: Re: Vítězslav Novák Post by: Albion on July 03, 2022, 01:46:39 pm It is a profoundly moving work, bravely composed during the Nazi occupation. The South Bohemian Suite is another such work with a defiant political sub-text. I don't agree with the widely held belief that all Novak's greatest works were composed early in his musical career. My favourites come from towards the end of his life. Although not a tone poem we badly need a new recording of his masterpiece 'The Storm' (which is an earlier work). Novak is not a composer that I know at all (my knowledge of Czech music is pretty much limited to Smetana, Dvorak, Fibich and Martinu). Where should I begin, and is there at least a decent recording of The Storm? :) Title: Re: Vítězslav Novák Post by: Vandermolen on July 03, 2022, 05:06:33 pm It is a profoundly moving work, bravely composed during the Nazi occupation. The South Bohemian Suite is another such work with a defiant political sub-text. I don't agree with the widely held belief that all Novak's greatest works were composed early in his musical career. My favourites come from towards the end of his life. Although not a tone poem we badly need a new recording of his masterpiece 'The Storm' (which is an earlier work). Novak is not a composer that I know at all (my knowledge of Czech music is pretty much limited to Smetana, Dvorak, Fibich and Martinu). Where should I begin, and is there at least a decent recording of The Storm? :) Title: Re: Vítězslav Novák Post by: Albion on July 03, 2022, 05:21:34 pm It is a profoundly moving work, bravely composed during the Nazi occupation. The South Bohemian Suite is another such work with a defiant political sub-text. I don't agree with the widely held belief that all Novak's greatest works were composed early in his musical career. My favourites come from towards the end of his life. Although not a tone poem we badly need a new recording of his masterpiece 'The Storm' (which is an earlier work). Novak is not a composer that I know at all (my knowledge of Czech music is pretty much limited to Smetana, Dvorak, Fibich and Martinu). Where should I begin, and is there at least a decent recording of The Storm? :) Great, thanks very much! :) Title: Re: Vítězslav Novák Post by: Vandermolen on July 04, 2022, 09:12:21 am It is a profoundly moving work, bravely composed during the Nazi occupation. The South Bohemian Suite is another such work with a defiant political sub-text. I don't agree with the widely held belief that all Novak's greatest works were composed early in his musical career. My favourites come from towards the end of his life. Although not a tone poem we badly need a new recording of his masterpiece 'The Storm' (which is an earlier work). Novak is not a composer that I know at all (my knowledge of Czech music is pretty much limited to Smetana, Dvorak, Fibich and Martinu). Where should I begin, and is there at least a decent recording of The Storm? :) Great, thanks very much! :) Title: Re: Vítězslav Novák Post by: britishcomposer on July 04, 2022, 04:22:03 pm I would also recommend the Slovakian Suite Op 32. The modal soundworld has some links with British music of its time. It is very fresh and original and quite touching.
I consider the 2nd String Quartet a great work. An endless stream of passionate melody tinged with deep melancholy. Title: Re: Vítězslav Novák Post by: Vandermolen on July 04, 2022, 05:53:48 pm I would also recommend the Slovakian Suite Op 32. The modal soundworld has some links with British music of its time. It is very fresh and original and quite touching. I agree - those are both fine works.I consider the 2nd String Quartet a great work. An endless stream of passionate melody tinged with deep melancholy. |