Various: Symphonies and Concerts (3x CD) - CD

On the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the birth of Viktor Kalabis, one of the most outstanding composers of 20th century Czech music, Supraphon publishes this selection of his symphonic and concertante works. The life of the composer and his wife, harpsichordist Zuzana Růžičková, was marked first by the war and then by the straitjacket of the communist regime.

Both forms of non-freedom were also strongly imprinted in Kalabis's work. His Sinfonia pacis, one of the most played compositions of contemporary Czech music abroad, reflected the escalating tensions of the Cold War without resorting to the clichés of the communist "peace" proclamations of the time. In connection with Symphony no. 3 (1970-71), the author spoke of the anxiety of the post-occupation years, of defiance and final resignation at the constant suppression of the truth.

Kalabis' works have received the attention of major orchestras, conductors and soloists (among others. Berlin Philharmonic, Matacic, Casadesus, Blomstedt, Rilling, Ančerl ad. ). This selection of recordings is a testament to his strong compositional personality and the atmosphere of the time in which his music was born to life.

Symphonies and Concertos by Viktor Kalabis - the legacy of an outstanding composer and a difficult time

Playlist

Symphony No.2 for large orchestra „ Sinfonia pacis”, op. 18
Andante moderato / Allegro molto e drammatico / Andante, molto quieto /att. / / Allegro comodo e giocoso
Concerto No.1 for violin and orchestra, Op. 17
Maestoso. Andante / Andante angoscioso. Quasi adagio / Allegro vivace / Symphonic Variations for large orchestra, op. 24
Concerto for large orchestra (Concerto per grande orchestra), Op.25
Allegro / Adagio / Allegro assai / Allegro vivo
Symphony No.3 for large orchestra, op. 33
Molto moderato / Allegro molto drammatico / Adagio molto e quieto
Concerto for trumpet and orchestra „ Le tambour de villevieille”, op. 36
Allegretto moderato / Andante. Vivo. Andante. Allegro vivo
Concerto for harpsichord and strings, op. 42
Allegro leggiero / Andante / Allegro vivo / Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No. 2 (single wind), op. 49
Concerto for piano and winds, Op.64
Allegro vivo - Andante - Poco vivo / Concertino for bassoon and wind instruments, Op.61