Dvořák - Requiem, Op.89

Antonín Dvořák composed the Requiem at the beginning of his peak creative period. This composition is one great reflection on generally alarming questions of human existence. The construction of the mass is not typical: the composition is divided in two basic parts, each of which begins with the original interconnection of several liturgical sequences. Likewise, Dvořák inserted between the "Sanctus" and "Agnus Dei" a lyrical movement "Pie Jesu," created on the base of the final text of the "Dies Irae" sequence. Its basic melodic motif is created by two ascending half-tones with an incorporated very sorrowful diminished third, which begins the opus and continues in many variations as the main motif running through the entire work. Dvořák's Requiem is a supreme opus of classicist-romantic synthesis. This composition inspired many other Czech composers, e.g. Josef Suk and Bohuslav Martinů. Performed by Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, conducted by Karel Ančerl, chorus master Markéta Kühnová; soloists: Maria Stader – soprano, Sieglinde Wagner – alt, Ernst Haefliger – tenor, Kim Borg – bass. This recording was awarded by most prestigious „Grand Prix du disque de l´Académie Charles Cros.“

DAR

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

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

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

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

Dvořák - Slavonic Dances Op.46 & 72

"Slovanské tance" (The Slavonic Dances), a series of 16 orchestral pieces composed by Antonín Dvořák in 1878 and 1886 and published in two sets. Originally written for piano four hands, the Slavonic Dances were orchestrated at the request of Dvořák's publisher. The pieces, were well received at the time and today are among the composer's most memorable works, occasionally making appearances in popular culture. Lightly scored and charming sound by Czech Philharmonics and Václav Neumann.

DSD

Dvořák, Janáček, Martinů, Novák, Schulhoff, Eben - Songs My Mother Taught Me

Magdalena Kožená, one of the most acclaimed recitalists of today, presents a personal collection of songs she has known since childhood and that form some of her earliest musical influences. A haunting collection of songs by Czech composers such as Antonín Dvořák, Leoš Janáček, Bohuslav Martinů, Vítězslav Novák, Ervín Schulhoff and Petr Eben, all deeply rooted in the rich Czech folk song tradition.

SMM

Fibich - Symphonies Nos.1 & 2

Zdeněk Fibich (1850–1900) was a Czech composer of classical music. Among his compositions are chamber works incl. two string quartets, symphonic poems, three symphonies, at least seven operas (the most famous probably Šárka and The Bride of Messina), melodramas such as Hippodamia, liturgical music including a mass - a missa brevis; and a large cycle (almost 400 pieces) of piano works called Moods, Impressions, and Reminiscences. This album recorded by Razumovsky Symphony Orchestra with conductor Andrew Mogrelia.

F12

Dusík - Piano Concertos

Jan Ladislav Dussek (Dusík) - Piano Concertos  by Andreas Steier and Concerto Koeln. Jan Ladislav Dussek, baptized Václav Jan Dusík (1760-1812) was a Czech composer and pianist of classical era. He was an important representative of Czech music abroad in the second half of 18th century and the beginning of 19th century. In some of his piano writing, Dussek anticipated features of musical romanticism. Dussek was one of the first piano virtuosos to travel widely throughout Europe.

DPC

Smetana - Má vlast

"Má Vlast" (My Country), is a set of six symphonic poems composed by Bedřich Smetana between 1874 and 1879. In this work Smetana combined the symphonic poem form with the ideals of nationalistic music which were current in the late nineteenth century. Each poem depicts some aspect of the countryside, history, or legends of Bohemia. This album is a live recording from the festival Prague spring in 2010. Performed by Prague Philharmonia, conductor Jakub Hrůša.

SMV

Smetana - Piano Works Vol.1-3

Bedřich Smetana's piano works vol.1-3 in an outstanding performance by Czech pianist Jitka Čechová, continuing her systematic and heart-felt exploration of composer’s oeuvre. She is an energetic pianist and member of the highly successful Smetana Trio. On her collection of Smetana's piano works she proves how intimately familiar she is with the composer's style.

SBP