Sumptuous Works by a Czech Master
J Scott Morrison | Middlebury VT, USA | 07/02/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Viteslav Novák (1870-1949) was taught by Dvorák and was in the same conservatory class as Josef Suk, who became Dvorák's son-in-law and grandfather of the current violinist with the same name. Somehow Novák always falls in the shadow of Suk and his works are rarely heard outside his native country. Yet, he is a superlative composer who, although his early work, including the first piece heard here, sounds a good deal like Dvorák, developed his own voice, incorporated impressionistic technique into his works, and whose later works were all influenced by Moravian and Slovakian folk melodies and dances. I first heard music by him when a friend insisted I listen to his ballet score, 'Signorina Gioventu,' which has become a real favorite.The Serenade in F, Op. 9, in four movements, is more or less a student work, written in the mid-1890s, and is in fairly typical late-romantic garb. Supported by sumptuous harmonies and particularly by expressive use of the violas and celli, there are long-limbed and yearning melodies and Czech dance rhythms. Except for a brief passage in the third movement that sounds like it was lifted from Liszt's 'Les Préludes,' it definitely sounds like it might have been written by Dvorák or Brahms. There are a few places that foreshadow his later rather more French-sounding harmonies, but they pass quickly. The Serenade in D, Op. 36, also in four movements, is a more assured work, sparer in texture but still with plenty of velvety harmonies. There are occasional whole-tone passages as well as more imaginative use of the winds, making the transition to a more French sound. Indeed, generally I am reminded of Roussel more than, say, Debussy or Ravel, an impression in Novák's music that grows even stronger in the later Signorina Gioventu, recorded elsewhere. But the Czech feel remains, primarily by use of typical Slavic melorhythms. There is a good deal more dramatic impact in this serenade, whereas the impetus for the earlier work seems to be affably harmonious sounds with little intended drama. Each of these works is lovingly played by the Ukrainian Chamber Orchestra under Andrew Mogrelia. I would single out the marvelous horn soloist in the third movement of the second Serenade and also the richly lustrous playing by the strings.Review by Scott Morrison"
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1