Alexander Moyzes.
Symphony No. 7, opus 50.
Symphony No. 8, "21-08-1968", opus 64.
Slovak Radio SO, Ladislav Slovak.
Again a CD with symphonies that are totally beguiling, mesmerizing even. Just savour the third movement of the 7th symphony "Largo", which took my breath away, Moyzes at its best. But then again the 7th is a masterwork. This kind of orchestration is rare, unique, and full of colours. The work is dedicated to the memory of the composer's daughter Martha who died tragically young. It expresses deep sorrow.
That also goes for the 8th symphony, which is based on a totally different framework, "the invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Soviet Union". This work was his protest.
There has never been a public performance to this day. It is scored for a very large orchestra.
The performances are first rate, and the recording quite good.