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?
:)
Only two recordings of The Storm AFAIK - both on Supraphon. You could start with the engaging and moving South Bohemian Suite, or the better known Slovak Suite or the gloomy war-time tone poem De Profundis (which has a powerfully redemptive ending). I also like the tone poem 'In The Tatras' and there is some fine chamber music including a piano quintet.
Great, thanks very much!
:)
