Martinů - Cello Concertos Nos.1 & 2

Martinů's two cello concertos recorded by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and Angerlica May under conducting of Václav Neumann. It is mmediately recognizable voice. Martinů's music is a cross between Neo-Romanticism and the neo-Baroque, while his melody is intensely lyrical and draws some inspiration from Czech folk music. Recurring syncopated fragments are often the defining characteristic of his faster movements. The music and the performances here are more than do the music justice and this outstanding release would serve as good a place as any to illuminate Martinů's highly attractive compositional style.

MCC

Zelenka - Sub olea pacis et palma virtutis

Sub olea pacis et palma virtutis conspicua orbi regia Bohemiae Corona: Melodrama de Sancto Wenceslao (Under the Olive Tree of Peace and the Palm Tree of Virtue the Crown of Bohemia Splendidly Shines Before the Whole World: Melodrama to Saint Wenceslas, ZWV 175) is an extensive composition, written in 1723. The composition was performed using authentic instruments of the Baroque era. Performed by Musica Florea, Musica Aeterna, Ensemble Philidor, Boni Pueri; soloists Noémi Kiss (soprano), Anna Hlavenková (soprano), Jaroslav Březina ([tenor), Adam Zdunikowsi (tenor), Aleš Procházka (bass), Markus Foerster (countertenor), conducetd Marek Štryncl (2000). This recording was awarded by Grand Prix du Disque.

ZSO

Stamic - Symphonies Vol.2

Jan Václav Antonín Stamic - later, during his life in Mannheim the name germanized as Johann Wenzel Anton Stamitz (1717-1757), was a Czech composer and violinist of classicist era. He was the father of fellow composers, Carl and Anton Stamitz. J.V.Stamic essentially contributed to the transition of the Baroque period to the Classical era, above all by innovations of symphony structure. He found s.c. "Mannheim school", which was main creative source of classical period.

SS2

Benda F. - Symphonies

František Benda (1709–1786), the brother of Jiří Antonín Benda, was a Czech violinist and compoesr. He spent and  worked for much of his life in Germany at the court of Frederick the Great. Benda was a master of all the difficulties of violin playing, and the rapidity of his execution and the mellow sweetness of his highest notes were unequalled. He had many pupils and wrote a number of works, chiefly exercises and studies for the violin.He became the founder of a German school of violin playing. His works contain above all symphonies, violin concertos and sonatas.

BVC

Dvořák - Stabat Mater

Antonín Dvořák - Stabat Mater, op.58 for soli, choir and orchestra by Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Prague Philharmonic Choir, conducted by Wolfgang Sawalisch, with soloists Gabriela Beňačková, Peter Dvorský, Ortrun Wenkel, Jan-Hendrik Rootering. The oratorio Stabat Mater was written by Antonín Dvořák in 1876 and the first performance took place on 23 December 1880 in Prague. The first movement is an extended sonata-form in symphonic style. It opens with a long orchestral introduction, then repeated with the chorus. A contrasting second theme is introduced by the soloists. A development section leads to the return of the opening material. The organ has an independent part accompanying the female semi-chorus in the fourth movement, and is not used otherwise. The final movement recalls the opening themes of the work, but then turns into the major key for a triumphant Amen fugue of considerable complexity. The work is scored for an orchestra of: 2 flutes, 2 oboes, cor anglais, 2 clarinets in A, 2 bassoons, 4 horns (two in F, two in D), 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, organ and strings. The solos are written for soprano, tenor, alto, bass, accompanied with the SATB choir.

DSM

Eben - Job for Organ

Job for Organ is an eight movement organ cycle by the Czech composer Petr Eben (1929-2007). This work is based upon the story of Job in the Old Testament. The eight movements of this cycle tell the story of Job's struggle, perseverance, and triumph in the midst of human suffering. Job remains faithful to God throughout his trials, and in the end God rewards him for his faithfulness. Eben's compositional technique is dramatic in nature and his music lends itself to theatrical interpretation. This document provides a detailed musical analysis of each movement of the work, and the author offers a possible recreation of the plot and its interpretation, based upon extensive analysis of the score and Petr Eben's program notes.The analysis demonstrates that Job for Organ is a product of utmost craftsmanship. It is a powerful musical drama that vividly portrays Job's ordeal utilizing an extended musical program.

EJO

Vejvanovský - Sonate e serenade

Pavel Josef Vejvanovský was is a Czech composer of the middle baroque period. He composed about 120, largely orchestral works with dominant roles for brass as a trumpet virtuoso. He wrote spiritual as well as secular works, but in his later works he was able to master most typical idioms of the day. He seems to have struggled with imitative counterpoint and his most compelling pieces are characterised by charming folk idioms and virtuosic brass writing. He composed in a wide variety of genres ranging from large-scale Mass settings and music for special feast days to more intimate sonatas and suites.

VSS

Martinů - Cello Sonatas Nos.1-3

Bohuslav Martinů (8 December 1890, Polička – 28 August 1959, Liestahl) was a Czech composer of modern classical music. He was very prolific, writing almost 400 pieces, among them 6 symphonies, choral works, operas, concertos, including for cello, violin, oboe and five for the piano and his chamber music, including seven string quartets. His artistic history content more creative periods, incl. postimpresionism, neo-classicism, expressionism etc.

MCS

Vaňhal - Symphonies

Jan Křtitel Vaňhal (generally known as Johann Batist Vanhal) was a Czech composer of classical era (1739-1813). Born in Nechanice, Bohemia, to a Czech peasant family, Vanhal received his early training from a local musician. From these humble beginnings he was able to earn a living as a village organist and choirmaster. The Countess Schaffgotsch, who heard him playing the violin, took him to Vienna in 1760, where she arranged lessons in composition with Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf. Further patronage helped him to travel and gain further knowledge of music and by the age of 35, he was moving in exalted musical company: it is reported he played quartets with Haydn, Mozart, and Dittersdorf. Vanhal tailored his output to economic realities of the day and ceased writing symphonies in the late-1770s. He wrote three operas: Il Demofoonte (1770), Il trionfo di Clelia (1770), and The Princess of Tarento. In the 1770s, Vaňhal met the contrabassist Johannes Matthias Sperger and wrote a double bass concerto for him. The English music historian Charles Burney visited Vaňhal in 1772. Mozart performed Vanhal’s Violin Concerto in B flat in Augsburg in 1777. In or around 1784, Haydn, Dittersdorf, Mozart and Vaňhal played string quartets together; Haydn and Dittersdorf played the violins, Mozart the viola, and Vaňhal cello. This recording is performed by London Mozart Players with conductor Matthias Bamert.

VJS

Smetana - Orchestral Works

Three-disc set of Bedřich Smetana's orchestral works with Vladimir Válek leading the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra. Not only does it contain Smetana's orchestral masterpiece Má Vlast plus his three fairly well-known tone poems Richard III, Wallenstein's Campo, and Hakon Jarl, it also contains his nearly completely unknown four-movement Triumph Symphony, his almost totally unknown March for Shakespeare, and the Ceremonial Prelude in C major along with three short orchestral dances, the Georginen, the Louisen, and the Our Lasses Polkas.

SOW

Mysliveček - Symphonies & Ouvertures

Josef Mysliveček (1737–1781), nicknamed “Il divino Boemo” (The Divine Czech) was a Czech composer of classical era. Apart from 28 operas, he also wrote 10 oratorios and cantatas, numerous chamber music scores, and orchestral and concert music.

MSO

Zelenka - Il Diamante

Il Diamante is the ultimate secular work of Jan Dismas Zelenka. Il Diamante is the only known contribution Zelenka made to the genre of serenata. Zelenka writing a great secular work for Dresden court society late in his life. His music as a part of a politically important ceremonial occasion at court - none of this corresponds with the traditional image of Zelenka as an overshadowed composer held in low esteem by the court; nothing can be more far from the truth according to newly found sources, one of which has a contemporary of Zelenka describing him as the "perfect Virtuoso", whose music gives a "foretaste of heavenly pleasure". With this in mind we can look forward to a new, revised way of looking at the greatest Czech baroque composer, considered as some "catholic counterpoint to J.S.Bach". Furthermore, we can enjoy his incredible music - and rejoice over the new diamond discovered amongst Zelenka's works.This recordings is performed by Ensemble Inégal, Prague Baroque Soloists, conducted by Adam Viktora.

ZID

Dvořák - Symphonic Poems

Just about every Czech conductor has recorded Dvořák's four symphonic poems based on the poetry of Karel Erben. At the successful end of spectrum are Vaclav Talich's dramatic 1951 recordings and Rafael Kubelik's lyrical 1975 recordings. To challenge the Czechs' hegemony, we have Charles Mackerras' 2010 accounts, which come very close to taking Talich's place as the finest performances of these works ever recorded. Recorded with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra in lushly detailed digital sound.

DSP

Hába - String Quartets

Alois Hába (June 21, 1893, Vizovice – November 18, 1973, Prague) was a Czech composer, musical theoretician, teacher and organiser, one of the creators of microtonal systems. His most significant innovative contribution to European music is his reworking of the tonality into quarter, six, twelve, and five tone systems, which come from the Moravian folk tradition.

HSQ

Kabeláč - Improvisación sobre Hamlet, Invenciónes para percusión

Hamlet Improvisation for large orchestra, Op. 46 (1962-63) and 8 Invenzioni for percussion instruments (by Prague Percussion Ensemble), Op. 45 (1962-63) by Miloslav Kabeláč (1908 -1979), the most original personality of Czech modern music of second half of 20th century.

KHI

Novák - Autumn Symphony

Vítězslav Novák (1870-1949): Autumn Symphony, Op. 62 (1931-1934) for male and female chorus and orchestra by Czech Philharmonic Orchestra with conductor Karel Ančerl. It's a reflection on the brevity of life and passing of time, work of balancing life, consolation and celebration of joys and beauties that life has brought but also still can bring. The first eight minutes of the 2nd movement are purely orchestral and make an ouverture to the vocal scene of Moravian folk festivity. Not long after beginning melodic and rhytmic elements of Moravian folk music appear and Novák's complex polyphony gets a dancing temperament with the specific tinge gradually.

NAS

Zelenka - Missa ultimarum sexta

Missa ultimarum sexta - Missa omnium sanctorum of Jan Dismas Zelenka belongs to his final five pieces (ZWV 17–21), commonly called "High Mass" compositions, written between 1736 and 1741 and considered as Zelenka's compositional peak. The last three incl.this one are also called "Missae ultimae" (Last Masses).

MUS

Dussek - Piano Sonatas

Jan Ladislav Dusík (Dussek), Czech composer and pianist (1760-1812), was one of the first piano virtuosos to travel widely throughout Europe. He performed at courts and concert venues from London to Saint Petersburg to Milan, and was celebrated for his technical prowess. During a nearly ten-year stay in London, he was instrumental in extending the size of the pianoforte. He was an important representative of Czech music abroad in the second half of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century. Some of his more forward-looking piano works have traits often associated with Romanticism. This recording of large amount of his piano sonatas is performed by Frederick Marvin.

DPS

Janáček - Glagolitic Mass, Taras Bulba

Leoš Janáček´s "Glagolitic Mass"- Mass for Soloists, Mixed Choir, Organ and Orchestra - is a "mass of life". Janáček had determined to give expression to that belief in God which had not shown itself in his work before. He got back a tart postcard: "No old man, and no believer—till I see for myself." Janáček detested large churches: ". . . concentrated death; tombs under the floor, bones on the altar, pictures which are nothing but torture and dying". His cathedral was the Luhačovice forest, its incense the fragrance from the moist earth, its bells those from a flock of sheep. "I hear...in the choir the voice of our people. The candles—tall firs of the forest lit up with stars; and during the ceremony I see the vision of St. Wenceslas, and hear the language of the missionaries Cyril and Methodius". The Glagolitic Mass is certainly a visionary work, composer´s immaginatoion of raw roots of Christianity in Slavic people, mixed with paganic customs, inimitable opus, going to the origin of musical language. This recording is performed by L.Domanínská-soprano, V.Soukupová-contralto, B.Blachut-tenor, E.Haken-bass, J.Vodrážka-organ, Prague Philharmonic Choir, J.Veselka, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra with conductor Karel Ančerl. This recording was awarded by Grand prix du disque de L'Academie Charles Cros. Karel Ančerl (1908 - 1973) was, alongside Václav Talich, part of the tandem of two foremost Czech conductors of the 20th century. As he made an overwhelming majority of his recordings for Supraphon, and since we are approaching the thirtieth anniversary of his death, this company has decided to pay a special tribute to Ančerl´s memory by a grandly conceived project of reissues of his creations, under the common heading of Ančerl Gold Series. It is to comprise a total of 42 titles, each of which will undergo complex studio overhaul and streamlining.

JGM

Michna - Missa à 7, Cantiones, Requiem

Adam Václav Michna z Otradovic (1600 – 1676) was a Czech catholic poet, composer, organist and choir leader of early baroque era. About 230 of his compositions from three Czech and two Latin collections are known today. This album content his masses and cantiones. Performed by Capella regia muscialis with conductor Robert Hugo and soloists Stanislav Předota, Milada Čechalová, Magdalena Černá, Jana Lewitová, Michael Pospíšil and Marcin Bornus Sczycinski. Thius recording was awareded by Grammy Classics in 1993.

MMR

Suk - Piano Works

Josef Suk (1874–1935) was a Czech composer of late romantic and early modernist era. He was also violinist. Suk also wrote for the piano, an instrument that he himself had played since childhood. These compositions are generally of a more intimate and personal nature, and they include music for his son. This 2 CD setof piano works  (Piano Works 1 & 2) is performed by Margaret Fingerhut.

SPW

Martinů - Three Fragments and Suite From the Opera Juliette

Three Fragments and Suite From the Opera Juliette of Bohuslav Martinů, performed by Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by sir Charles Mackerras, with soloist Magdalena Kožená (mezzosoprano). Juliette is Martinu's operatic masterpiece and one of the most distinctive of all 20th-century operatic works. The plot is hallucinatory and wonderfully weird. Charles Mackerras delivers his usual outstanding results, the Czech Philharmonic plays amazingly, and the principal singers, especially Kožená and Davislim, sing beautifully. We still need a new recording of the complete opera, but until then this will do nicely. Essential for anyone who cares about 20th-century opera, or Martinů generally.

BOJ

Mysliveček - Il divino Boemo: Symphonies

Josef Mysliveček (1737–1781) was a Czech composer of gallant style, who contributed to the formation of late eighteenth-century classicism. Mysliveček provided his younger friend Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with significant compositional models in the genres of symphony, opera, and violin concerto. Ensemble Concerto Köln's "Il divino boemo" is one of the group's projects, bringing its considerable artistry to bear on a composer whose reputation has been less fortunate than that of his contemporaneous peers. In this case, the truffle is Josef Mysliveček, the "divine Czech" , in his time popular for his operas and oratorios, but already considered passé by his early death in 1781.

MJS

Zelenka - The Lamentations of Jeremiah

Lamentationes pro hebdomada sancta, for soloists & chorus ("Lamentationes Jeremiae prophetae") of Jan Dismas Zelenka, perfomed by  Michael Chance (countertenor), John Ainsley (tenor), Michael George (bass) and Chandos Baroque Players

ZLJ

Dvořák - Symphony No.9, In Nature Realm, Othello Concert Ouverture

The recording of Symphony No.9, In Nature Realm, Othello Concert Ouverture, performing by Czech Philharmonic Orchestra with conductor Karel Ančerl. Antonín Dvořák´s Symphony No.9, e-minor, op.95, named "From The New World" ("Novosvětská symfonie" in Czech) is certainly the composer´s supreme symphonic work, and it also ranks among the supreme symphonies of all times. Dvořák worked on it from early 1893 to May 24 of the same year, in the first year of his stay in America. The circumstances under which it was composed also determined its character and purpose. The special atmosphere of American folk music is unmistakeable to the symphony, although Dvořák made no direct use of Indian or other songs. Dvořák´s style is sometimes called a "classicist-romantic synthesis".

DS9

Tomášek - Missa Solemnis, Op.81

Václav Jan Tomášek, (1774–1850, Prague) was a Czech composer and music teacher of classicist period. He was an autodidact, becoming one of the most important piano teachers of Prague for a century. Tomášek exclusively wrote for the piano and became a forerunner of the lyric piece of piano, which later found its completion in Franz Schubert. At first he created compositions rather in the classical style, later was influenced by the newly born Romanticism. He wrote lyric pieces for piano, songs, symphonies and masses. This recording of his Missa Solemnis, op.81, was performed by Prague Chamber Orchestra, Kuhn mixed choir and soloists.

TMS

Sir Charles Mackerras conducts Leoš Janáček

Sir Charles Mackerras (1925-2010), Australian conductor, an authority on the operas of Leoš Janáček and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In 1978, he was presented with the Janáček Medal and in 1996, he received the Medal of Merit of Czechia for services to Czech music. This album, recorded with Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, content symphonic poem "Taras Bulba", "Sinfonietta" and ouvertures of operas "The Cunning Little Vixen" and "Káťa Kabanová"

MPJ

Eben: The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart

The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart of Petr Eben. The composer(1929-2007) was fascinated by Comenius's famous book for most of his life, and from 1991 to June 2003 he played celebrated improvisations on the theme in many different countries.

ELS

Voříšek - Symphony in D major, Op.24

Jan Václav Hugo Voříšek (1791-1825), was a Czech composer of classicist era, pianist, and organist, but his compositions move in special way to the early romantism. Although Voříšek died young, he bequethed noteworhy works, predominantly his Symphony in D major, op.24, which is the example of his innovative romantic elements. One of the newest, and simultanously one of the best performances of the opus is this recording by Prague Chamber Philharmony with the conductor Jiří Bělohlávek.

VSD

Kabeláč - 2 Phantasies for organ, Preludes for piano, Suite for saxophone & piano, Sonata for cello & piano

Selection of compositions of Miloslav Kabeláč for organ and piano and chamber music with piano participation : Fantasies for organ in G minor and D minor (J.Hora), Op. 32 (1957–58), 8 preludes for piano (I.Kahánek), Op. 30 (1955–56), Suite for saxophone and piano, Op. 39 (1959) and Sonata for cello and piano.

KFS

Zelenka - Trio Sonatas 1-6

6 trio sonatas for two oboes (or violin and oboe), bassoon and basso continuo by Jan Dismas Zelenka, performed by: Jana Brožková - oboe, Vojtěch Jouza - oboe, Václav Hoskovec - double bass, Jan Jouza - violin, Jaroslav Kubita - bassoon, F.X.Thuri - harpsichord. These sonatas, typical of the period, are fourmovement sonatas known as “da chiesa" and comprise one of the highpoints of Zelenka's contrapunctal art. He broke with the traditional conception of the trio sonata by enhancing the role of the bassoon, giving it an independent melodic voice instead of using it to merely accompany.

ZTS

Smetana - My Country, Bartered Bride

Excerpts from symphonic poem "Má Vlast" (My Country) and instrumental parts from the opera "Prodaná nevěsta" (Bartered Bride) of Bedřich Smetana, performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by James Levine.

SIP

Martinů - Epic of Gilgamesh

Bohuslav Martinů's oratorio The Epic of Gilgamesh (1955) is unusual and, in a way, unique in all the international literature, as exciting and mysterious as the ancient tale on which it is based. The epic, one of the oldest extant examples of written culture, dates back to the beginning of Babylon, and Martinu devoted a number of years to the study of its philosophical basis before beginning to set to music Thompson's translation of its Neoassyrian version. Martinu's conception and execution are truly ingenious making use of early Baroque forms. Outstanding performances by Prague Symphony Orchestra and Choir, conducted by Jiří Bělohlávek enhance the unrepeatable atmosphere of this masterful work.

MEG

Eben - Organ Work 2: Sunday Music, Small Choral Partita, Chagall Windows

Petr Eben (1929-2007) was a Czech composer of modern and contemporary classical music, organist and choirmaster. His music has been widely performed and recorded since about 1980, with his popularity still apparently on the rise. The majority of his works are compositions for organ. Stylistically, his musical language can be considered as "neoexpressionistic" in many ways, however in some works we can hear some kind of new forms of impressionistic tendencies. He is usually compared with Olivier Messiaen (what confirmed relatively frequent combination of those two composers in organists recitals and on discs, but in other than organ works remains less experimental. Since 1989, he was honorary president of the Society for spiritual music. This recording is performed by Siegelinde Ahrens.

EO2

Janáček - Sinfonietta, Taras Bulba

"Sinfonietta" and symphonic poem "Taras Bulba" by Czech Philharmonic Orchestra with conductor Karel Ančerl. Excitement, accuracy, passion, color, and expressive immediacy.  What other performance propels the second-movement ostinatos so forcefully, or builds the third movement's central climax with such explosive energy? Who else observes the various tempo changes in the brief fourth movement so effectively, wringing every drop of variety from its many repetitions of its opening trumpet tune? And who else drives the finale to positively expressionistic extremes of tension, making the return of the opening fanfares a moment of apocalyptic grandeur? I love this work, and enjoy other performances (including Kubelík, Neumann, Jílek, and Mackerras), but this is one of those rare occasions where you really can point your finger to a single version and say, "This is the best."

JST

Dvořák - Te Deum, Mass in D major, Biblical Songs 1-5

"Te Deum" for soprano, bass, chorus & orchestra, B. 176 (Op. 103), Mass for vocal soloists, chorus orchestra in D major, B.175 (Op. 86) and  Biblical Songs (Biblické pésně) for voice & orchestra, B. 189 (Op. 99), no.1-5 of Antonín Dvořák by Czech Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus. Conducted by Václav Smetáček.

DTD

Zelenka - Missa Sanctissimae Trinitatis

"Missa Santissimae Trinitis", (The Holiest Trinity Mass) in A-minor, ZWV 17 of Jan Dismas Zelenka was completed in 1736 as the first of five "High Mass" compositions he wrote in the last ten years of his life. The mass is divided into 19 individual parts. The orchestra parts are independent and often dominate over the simple homophonic chorus. The influence of the concerto structure is revealed in the contrast between solo vocal and choral parts. The opposite pole of the chorus concerto are the massive choral fugues - their dialogue here is not only demonstration of technical mastery of the composer, but also of intellectual depth and significance of the work. Performed by Musica Florea, Boni Pueri, conducted by Marek Štryncl. World premiere recording

ZMT

Novák - Slovácká suita

Vítězslav Novák (December 5, 1870 – July 18, 1949) was one of the most well-respected Czech composers and pedagogues, almost singlehandedly founding a Czech 20th century  school of composition. Stylistically, he was a leading figure in the Neo-Romanticism movement, occasionally considered an early example of Czech modernism. Slovácká suita (Slovak suite) pro malý orchestr, op. 32 was composed in 1903.

NSS

Kabeláč - Eight Inventions For Percussion Instruments

Eight Inventions For Percussion Instruments, op.45 (1962), of Miloslav Kabeláč by French ensemble Les Percussions de Strasbourg (1970),

KIP

Dvořák - String Quartets Nos.12 & 13

Antonín Dvořák: String Quartet No. 13 in G major, Op. 106 (B. 192, 1895) and String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, the "American" (B. 179, 1893) by Pavel Haas Quartet (Veronika Jarůšková - 1st violin, Eva Karová - 2nd violin, Pavel Nikl - viola, Peter Jarůšek - cello).

DSQ

Rejcha - Requiem

Antonín Rejcha, also Antoine Reicha (1770, Prague–1836, Paris) was a Czech composer of classical era. A contemporary and lifelong friend of Ludwig van Beethoven, Rejcha is now best remembered for his substantial early contribution to the wind quintet literature and his role as a teacher - his pupils included Franz Liszt and Hector Berlioz. Rejcha was also an accomplished theorist and wrote several treatises on various aspects of composition. Some of his theoretical work dealt with experimental methods of composition, which he applied in a variety of workss. The recording of his Requiem is performed by Czech Philharmonic Chorus, Dvořák Chamber Orchestra and soloists.

RAR

Kabeláč - E fontibus Bohemicis

E fontibus Bohemicis, op.55 of Miloslav Kabeláč from 1965-72 is the sixmovement electro-acoustic composition "E fontibus Bohemicis", with the subtitle Six tableaux from Czech annals, finished in 1972, is the processing of the sound of the biggest bell of Prague "Sigismond", in the course of the work joined in by the oldest Czech chorale, by the organ version of the Hussite song , the fragment of the oldest Czech chronicle (by Cosmas), and by John Hus's words, the apex of the whole composition.

KFB

Martinů - Symphonies Nos.1-4

Bohuslav Martinů - Symphonies Nos.1-4 by Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Václav Neumann.  From the complete of all 6 symphonic works, recorded between 1976 and 1978.

M4S

Liška - The Valley Of The Bees

Zdeněk Liška's soundtrack to film of František Vláčil "Údolí včel" (The Valley Of The Bees) from 1967.  Zdeněk Liška’s gift for film music was based on his ability to create tension and drama even on small space. Liška also used a wide range of musical styles, from brass music to electronica.

LVB

Zelenka - Magnificat, Psalm 129, Litanie Omnium Sanctorum, Salve Regina

The Magnificat, ZWV 108 of Jan Dismas Zelenka was performed for the first time by Johann Subastian  Bach in Leipzig 1729-1735. It is necessary to quote the liner notes its final "Amen" was copied by J.S. Bach's son Wilhelm Friedeman for use by the Thomaner Choir, at Bach's request. Psalm 129 was written to commemorate Zelenka's father's death. This recording is performed by Prague Chamber Orchestra, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Pavel Kühn and Lubomír Mátl with soloists Stanislav Bogunia, Jan Hora, Jana Jonášová, Joachim Vogt, Miroslav Kopp et al.

ZMF

Hirsch - Symphonies Nos.2 & 3

Vladimír Hirsch's Symphony for integrated ensemble and electronics, op. 47, "Defensa" (1997) and "Sinfonia integra per orchestra, organo e percussione", op.52 (1998). Performed by Czech Integrated Ensemble with soloists Martina Sanollová (vocals) and Vladimír Hirsch (organ, other keyboard instruments, electronics). Formally classical compositions, using digitally processed instrumentation and synthetic sounds. Symphony No.3 was performed live in 1999 at the Prague Industrial Festival under the patronage of the Open Society Fund. This album is a revised version of both works from 2003.

H23

Dušek - Piano Concertos

František Xaver Dušek (1731–1799) was a Czech composer and one of the most important harpsichordists and pianists of his time. Dušek composed sonatas, variations and concertos for harpsichord and piano and several symphonies and string quartets. Much of his music is in the galant style of the early Classical period. His piano concertos on this album are perfomed by Karel Kosárek and Prague Chamber Orchestra. It is world premiere recording.
Notice: Not to be confused with Jan Ladislav Dussek (Dusík). 

DFC