Search - Erwin Schulhoff, Prazák Quartet, Kocian Quartet :: Schulhoff: Chamber Music [Hybrid SACD]

This the fourth in Praga's series under the rubric of "Czech Degenerate Music," the term "degenerate" being an ironic reference to the Nazi's perverse label for Jewish artists and musical styles that they deemed undesirable. Schulhoff died in a Nazi concentration camp in 1942; his music was largely forgotten until recently, when it became apparent that he was among the era's most talented composers. The 1924-1925 works here are neoclassical, with bracing touches of expressionistic angst and sardonic humor. Influences include jazz, Czech folk dance, Stravinsky, and modern French composers (Poulenc and Milhaud are dedicatees, and the Concertino for Flute, Viola, and Double Bass is reminiscent of Debussy). The opening work, Five Pieces for String Quartet, is a delightful romp through various dances including the tango; the Duo for Violin and Cello, a successful blend of Czech folk melody with severe neo-classicism. The String Sextet is a harmonically adventurous work whose darker shadows never exclude melodic inventiveness. Featuring two of the top Czech ensembles, the performances are outstanding. --Dan Davis