Viktor Kalabis: Skladatel a dirigent - CD

This first CD devoted to Viktor Kalabis’s early work reveals previously undiscovered aspects of the great Czech composer’s music. Three works from 1948–1951 present a young yet surprisingly mature Kalabis. Concerto for Orchestra, Op. 3 (1948), with its concerto grosso form and instrumentation, refers to Stravinsky’s Dumbarton Oaks concerto and pays tribute to one of the composer’s major influences. In the short, vivid overture Youth, Op. 7 (1950), Kalabis demonstrates his virtuoso command of the large symphony orchestra, while its dark colours may reflect the oppressive period when the Communist dictatorship came to power. In the neofolkloric Cello Concerto, Op. 8 (1951/1956), he draws on a broad range of influences, including Dvořák, Bartók, Hindemith and the late Martinů. The youthful energy of these works already contains hints of the profound seriousness of his later music. Around thirty years later, Kalabis himself conducted recordings with the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava, giving them particular authenticity. The album features cellist Miroslav Petráš, the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava, the JFO Chamber Orchestra and conductor Viktor Kalabis.