Vaňhal, Brixi, Dušek, Vranický

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Masters of Czech Baroque and Classicism II

(Vaňhal, Dušek, Brixi, Vranický)

Zdeněk Adam – oboe, Czech Chamber Philharmonic, Vojtěch Spurný – harpsichord, conducting.

Production: not specified. Text: Cz, E.

Recorded: 6/2004, Studi Domovina, Prague. Issued: 2004. TT: 70:32. DDD. 1 CD BMG 82876 654052 (Sony BMG)

When listening to the free continuation of the Masters of Czech Baroque and Classicism record it is impossible not to remember the theme of this year´s festival Concentus Moraviae inspired by the migration and emigration of musicians. Jan Křtitel Vaňhal whose bagatelles for piano children worry with at musical schools had displaced himself at 21 years of age to Vienna, studied in Italy and was active in Croatia as well. František Xaver Dušek although active in Prague had also dwelled in Vienna where he had studied under G. Chr. Wagenseil, the harpsichordist of the imperial court, whereas the by some years younger Antonín Vranický studied under Mozart and Haydn. František Xaver Brixi became the master conductor of the st. Vitus cathedral in Prague. In the music of these composers who at the same time were capable practical musicians of this era we can hear echoes of the Sturm und Drang (Storm & stress) movement (Vaňhal´s Symphony g minor), affinity to early Haydn´s symphonies (Dušek´s Symphony C major), courteous elements (Brixi´s three movements Concerto G major for harpsichord and orchestra) also known as performed on organ) and also traits of Beethoven´s dramatic character (Vranický´s Symphony c minor).

With this recording the listeners become at guest not only in a good company of master compositors but also in a good company of interprets. The approach of the Czech Chamber Philharmonic (artistic head Zdeněk Adam) is fresh, elaborated, truthful, and under the conduction of the experienced hand of Vojtěch Spurný convincingly vivid similarly as the preceding recording. Those who dislike musical fossils have not to hesitate about selecting this CD.

Luboš Stehlík/Harmonie

Masters of Czech Baroque and Classicism II

(Vaňhal, Dušek, Brixi, Vranický)

Zdeněk Adam – oboe, Czech Chamber Philharmonic, Vojtěch Spurný – harpsichord, conducting.

Production: not specified. Text: Cz, E.

Recorded: 6/2004, Studi Domovina, Prague. Issued: 2004. TT: 70:32. DDD. 1 CD BMG 82876 654052 (Sony BMG)

The baroque melodic would perhaps be so well listened to because it tunes the soul, clears the mind and stimulates the listener. But it also requires musicians who play with their heart. Such are the Czech Chamber Philharmonic, its chief the hoboist Zdeněk Adam and the conductor Vojtěch Spurný. They play precisely and make music vividly. Their new CD MASTERS OF CZECH BAROQUE AND CLASSICISM lets enjoy Czech masters who had guided the baroque on its way to classicism. The Czech Chamber Philharmonic does not wield any proclamations of learned principles concerning adequacy to the respective period, or historical interpretation, they simply just tune up, start to play and you at once hear that they play wonderful. Czech music they present cannot enjoy a better interpretation – a chamber orchestra of a scope where every musician feels responsible for his part nearly as if being a soloist, this under the baton of Vojtěch Spurný who is at home in baroque and classicism. The proportions of areas, dynamics and details of strings and details of both woodwinds and  brass winds are performed so delightfully pure and friendly that you will understand why the period when Jan Křtitel Vaňhal (1739 – 1813), František Xaver Dušek (1731 – 1799), František Xaver Brixi (1732 – 1771) and Antonín Vranický (1761 – 1820) composed  will be called the courteous times. They had put down a wealth of bucolic joyfulness in their notes and the Czech Chamber Philharmonic plays them captivatingly, invitingly…just come and jump in those old times!

Anna Šerých/Xantypa