Suk

Josef Suk - A Summer's Tale / Prague
BBC Symphony Orchestra - Jiri Belohlavek
SACD ISO (2.0/MCH): 3,83 GB | 24B/88,2kHz Stereo FLAC: 1,23 GB | Full Artwork: 106 MB
Label/Cat#: Chandos # CHSA 5109 | Country/Year: UK 2012 | 5% Recovery Info
Genre: Classical | Style: Late Romantic, Early 20th Century

"…This new Belohlavek version gives us the best of both worlds by combining nobility of utterance and a passionate advocacy of this stirring music in glorious 5.0 multi-channel sound.
The committed playing of the BBC Symphony Orchestra in both works exemplifies their respect both for Belohlavek as arguably the finest interpreter of Czech music alive today and their enthusiasm for the composer's regrettably still neglected output. This SACD is a mandatory purchase for lovers of Suk's opulent scores and audiophiles alike." ~sa-cd.net

Josef Suk - A Summer's Tale / Prague
BBC Symphony Orchestra - Jiri Belohlavek
EAC+LOG+CUE | FLAC: 325 MB | Full Artwork: 111 MB | 5% Recovery Info
Label/Cat#: Chandos # CHSA 5109 | Country/Year: UK 2012
Genre: Classical | Style: Late Romantic, Early 20th Century

"…The committed playing of the BBC Symphony Orchestra in both works exemplifies their respect both for Belohlavek as arguably the finest interpreter of Czech music alive today and their enthusiasm for the composer's regrettably still neglected output. This SACD is a mandatory purchase for lovers of Suk's opulent scores and audiophiles alike." ~sa-cd.net

Not only is this an intriguing programme with some premiere recordings but also it’s played on Suk’s own Bösendorfer. There’s even a colour photograph of Tomáš Víšek playing it in Křečovice surrounded as he is by Suk memorabilia. The works include his well known Jaro or Spring but Arco Diva adds the much less played opus 22 stable mate Letní dojmy (Summer Impressions). The Two and Three Piano Pieces have never been recorded before and nor has Spanish Capers. We also have four little morceaux by Dvořák’s daughter and Suk’s short-lived wife, Otilie as well as four attractive pieces by Suk’s son, also Josef. None of these have ever been recorded………

Jonathan Woolf @ musicweb-international

If you ever feel the overpowering urge to hear a disc with the best performances of the best music ever written for violin and piano by Czech composers, this is that disc. If you ever feel the overwhelming compulsion to hear a disc with sweetly lyrical, passionately expressive, and deeply soulful music played with unparalleled insight, unmatched understanding, and complete comprehension, this is that disc. The music is truly the best ever written for violin and piano by Czech composers. Smetana's Pieces (2) from The Homeland are charming. Dvorák's Sonatina and Romantic Pieces are heartfelt and instantly memorable. Suk's Ballade and Pieces (4) are works of stunning intensity and staggering expressivity. And Dvorák's transcription of his Slavonic Dance in E minor is a bravura display of nationalist fervor. The performances are the best ever recorded for the repertoire.

The name of Josef Suk has been indelibly associated with the line marking the evolution of Czech interpretive art over the last half century. He has developped the creative legacy of his eminent teachers, including most notably Jaroslav Kocian, as well as the bequest of his own grandfather, the composer Josef Suk, among other things a long-time member of the legendary Czech Quartet.