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Michaela Kaune (soprano) Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Zdenek Macal Following the excellent reviews of the 3rd and 5th symphonies we are pleased to present this recording of Mahler’s 4th Symphony played by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted once again by Zdenek Macal. The stunning final movement is sung on this performance by soprano Michaela Kaune who gives a heart rending account of the child’s view of heaven. This is an eagerly awaited release that is sure to please. (Also available Symphony No. 3 OVCL00300 & Symphony No. 5 OVCL00294) | 
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| |  | Martinu - The complete music for violin and orchestra Volume 4
Bohuslav Matoušek (violin) Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Hogwood This recording is the last volume of a four-disc survey of Martinu’s complete output for solo violin and orchestra, including compositions with other solo instruments. They are performed here by the orchestra in which Martinuo played the violin, the distinguished Czech violinist Bohuslav Matoušek who is one of the foremost living exponents of this music, and conductor Christopher Hogwood. Martinu’s Violin Concerto No. 1 was written for the celebrated Polish-born American violinist Samuel Dushkin. Although immediately appealing to the performer, its premiere was delayed due to the volatile European political situation in the thirties, and the score was lost during World War II when Martinuo was forced to hide his autographs in Europe and flee to the USA. The score was discovered in 1968 and the work did not receive its premiere until 1973. It is a dazzling, virtuoso work, revealing the influence of Dushkin’s violin playing, especially his liking for technical display. The Violin Concerto No. 2 is different from its predecessor both stylistically and in terms of its fate. It was commissioned by Mishca Elman (1891–1967), a famous American violinist of Ukrainian origin. The work’s main characteristics recall the qualities of Elman’s playing, notably his unique sound, his preference for noble and elegant melodies, his exceptional feeling for the sonority of his instrument, his love of slow tempos, and his rich use of rubato and portamento. Bohuslav Matoušek demonstrates his great versatility in idiomatic performances of these contrasting works. “In these beautifully recorded performances, both Christopher Hogwood and Bohuslav Matoušek have a profound understanding of Martinu's style and the Czech Philharmonic response with radiant playing…” BBC Music Magazine, September 2008 ***** “The final set in Hyperion's Martinu survey brings us more excellent playing.” Gramophone Magazine, 2008 Awards Issue |
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| |  | Martinu - The complete music for violin and orchestra Volume 3
Bohuslav Matoušek (violin & viola) Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Hogwood This is the third volume in Hyperion’s set of the complete works for violin and orchestra by Martinuo, featuring the
wonderful Bohuslav Matoušek with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra under Christopher Hogwood. Many first
recordings are included in the series, as well as works totally unperformed outside the Czech Republic. The two very
different versions of Martinuo’s Suite concertante are fascinating rarities. The only well-known work on this disc is the
Rhapsody-Concerto for viola and orchestra: a lyrical, virtuosic piece written for Jascha Viessi and one of the most
performed viola concertos of the twentieth century.
The programme notes by Aleš BÚesina are meticulously researched and provide a comprehensive background to the
genesis and performance history of these works. “Bohuslav Matousek plays all three works here with energy and an imaginative range of tonal colour, while the accompaniments from Christopher Hogwood and the Czech orchestra are equally resourceful.” The Telegraph, 3rd May 2008 “The new Suite languished unplayed until 1999. Both versions are delightful. Matoušek plays both with great understanding and finesse: the music needs lightness of touch. In the Rhapsody-Concerto Matoušek shows himself as adept a viola-player as he is violinist, sweeter-toned that Telecký and a match for Imai and Bukac.” Gramophone Magazine, July 2008 “The performance of the second version is exemplary, as is that of the two-movement Rhapsody Concerto where Matoušek, exchanging violin for viola, luxuriates in the radiant lyricism of Martinu's last period.” BBC Music Magazine, August 2008 **** | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| |  | Martinu - The complete music for violin and orchestra Volume 2
Bohuslav Matoušek (violin) & Karel Košárek (piano) Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Hogwood This is the second volume in Hyperion’s set of the complete works for violin and orchestra by Martinuo, featuring the
wonderful Bohuslav Matoušek with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra under Christopher Hogwood. Many first
recordings are included in the series, as well as works totally unperformed outside the Czech Republic.
Included here is the Concerto da camera, a favourite among Martinuo’s instrumental concertos because of the freshness of
its musical invention, the sensual sound of the orchestral part and the virtuosity of the solo parts.
The joyful Czech Rhapsody is a thrilling virtuoso work, dedicated to Kreisler.
The Concerto for violin, piano and orchestra is an enigmatic and highly personal work, structurally driven by its
emotional nature and perhaps echoing the crisis in the composer’s personal life, caused by the sudden breakdown in
the summer of 1952 of his long-term relationship with Rosalyn Barstow. “With its fresh invention and lively demeanour, this remains one of his more popular concertos although it has never received its due on disc. This newcomer sets that omission straight, however, crisply performed and immaculately recorded. The same applies to its companion pieces…strongly recommended” Gramophone Magazine “Matousek's strutting sense of rhythm, innate feel for the angular melodic line, comic touch and tender, almost homesick lyricism in the adagios make these compelling performances. He is more reflective in the Rhapsody Concerto, where even the virtuosic passages have a contemplative character. Christopher Hogwood conducts the Czech Philharmonic with bohemian zip and panache.” The Times, 10th May 2008 **** “Christopher Hogwood and Katel Matoušek are entirely at home with this repertoire. There is a huge amount to enjoy.” BBC Music Magazine, May 2008 **** “A delightful second programme of Martinu violin concertos from Prague. Concerto da camera (1941)… remains one of his more popular concertos although it has never received its due on disc. This newcomer sets that omission straight, however, crisply performed and immaculately recorded. The disc concludes with Jirí Teml's idiomatic orchestration of the Czech Rhapsody... it is a splendid piece, warm and lyrical and beautifully played. Strongly recommended.” Gramophone Magazine, March 2008 | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| |  | Talich Special Edition 17
Mstislav Rostropovich (cello) & Ludmila Dvoráková (soprano) Czech Philharmonic Orchestra & Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, Václav Talich | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| |  | Martinu - The complete music for violin and orchestra Volume 1
Bohuslav Matoušek (violin), Janne Thomsen (flute), Régis Pasquier (violin) & Jennifer Koh (violin) Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Christopher Hogwood ‘[Duo concertante] Written in Martinuo ’s best 1930s concerto grosso style, its three movements are limpidly scored, allowing the flowing, interweaving lines of the soloists to sound to best advantage; as the excellent booklet-notes say, ‘an extraordinary musical experience’ … this disc is an utter delight from start to finish’ (Gramophone) “What a splendidly bracing collection this is. Bohuslav Matousek and his fellow soloists are excellent advocates for this repertoire, delivering engaging performances of the motoric fast movements alongside generous lyricism in the more broadly conceived slower movements.” BBC Music Magazine, February 2008 **** | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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Benackova, Ochman, Drobkova & Noval Czech Philharmonic Orchestra & Prague Philharmonic Choir | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| |  | Talich Special Edition 7
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Václav Talich | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| |  | Talich Special Edition 8
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Václav Talich | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| |  | Brahms - Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2
Ivan Moravec (piano) Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Jiri Belohlavek | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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Gramophone Magazine
Penguin Guide