The Many Pupils of Antonín Dvořák - 3 CD

This three-CD set presents a varied selection of famous and lesser-known works by the talented composers who studied under Antonín Dvořák at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Dvořák’s master class at the conservatory gave rise to an influential “Dvořák School” that became a lasting part of Czech musical life. The greatest space is devoted to Josef Suk, whose work is the most personal and substantial among Dvořák’s pupils. One CD focuses on lesser-known students, including the gifted melodist Oskar Nedbal, who became famous for his operettas, Julius Fučík, known for his witty marches, legendary violinist Jaroslav Kocian, who composed for his instrument, and the patriotic legionnaire Rudolf Karel. It also introduces almost forgotten composers such as Adolf Piskáček, Vojtěch Kuchynka and Arnošt Praus. The third CD is dedicated to the underappreciated mastery of Vítězslav Novák and his distinctive modernism, which nevertheless develops interestingly from Dvořák’s style. The compilation features leading performers including violinist Josef Suk, pianist Ivan Moravec and conductors Václav Talich, Karel Šejna and Libor Pešek, as well as Igor Ardašev, Jan Panenka, Emil Leichner, Josef Vlach, Josef Veselka, Karel Šroubek, Václav Snítil, Richard Novák, Beno Blachut, Ivan Kusnjer and many others. The selection and the insightful booklet text are by English music writer Patrick Lambert, a major expert on Czech music and the Supraphon archive.