Dvořák, Smetana, Janáček…we all love them! But why not meet some other great Czech artists who don’t get that much attention but definitely deserve it?
- Miloslav Kabeláč (1908-1979)
We’re kicking off with my personal favourite. Considered to be the greatest symphonist alongside Dvořák and Martinů, yet virtually unknown! The times are changing however and he’s slowly starting to be performed internationally. Recently, the great Berliner Philharmoniker premiered his most celebrated composition: The mystery of time – Pasacaglia for large orchestra, op.31 (1953-57). This piece will transport you to another universe and the journey is truly worth the time! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kxcD0mU9jo
- Miroslav Srnka (1975-)
Probably the most internationally acclaimed Czech contemporary composer who’s slowly becoming a Classic! One of his greatest achievements was the premiere of his opera South Pole in 2016 in the world-famous Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich. Here is a trailer to the performance. Some of his other recorded works can be found on youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYWx7rw4tbw
- Josef Suk (1874-1935)
As with Miloslav Kabeláč, Suk’s oeuvre is slowly starting to be acknowledged more internationally. Always in the shadow of his father-in-law, Antonín Dvořák, his style was however distinct and his best known piece, the tragic Asrael symphony (Asrael= angel of death) goes far beyond Dvořák in terms of “modernity”. Finished in 1906, it reflects the deaths of both the great master and his own wife. Here recorded with the unbeatable Rafael Kubelík. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukmHaiUABUU
- Svatopluk Havelka (1925-2009)
Czechs know the name Havelka mostly thanks to his son, Ondřej Havelka, jazz musician, director and actor. His father was nevertheless one of the most interesting Czech composers of the second half of the 20th Century. Testament to the fact is his Hommage a Hieronymus Bosch, Symphonic Fantasy for orchestra (1974), which reflects the world of the mysterious painter more than accurately! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-5MGTnWXSY
- Bohuslav Martinů (1890-1959)
Last but definitely not least comes Martinů, the best known from the lesser known composers. His works are luckily a standard repertoire and rightly so! My personal favourite is his surrealistic opera Ariadné (1958). Doesn’t make much conventional sense (naturally), but the music is splendid and incredibly fresh. (And also, lasts only 45 minutes!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQLkxTv39sk