GMG Classical Music Forum

The Music Room => Composer Discussion => Topic started by: robnewman on May 30, 2009, 01:08:48 PM

Title: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: robnewman on May 30, 2009, 01:08:48 PM


Josef Myslivececk (1737-1781)
Symphony In C Major, F26 I
First Movement
Allegro Con Spirito
(c.1770)

http://www.mediafire.com/?zymmzuyjt2m
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: robnewman on June 12, 2009, 05:04:21 AM
Josef Myslivececk (1737-1781)
Aria
From Opera 'Bellerofonte' - (Italy, 1767/8)
Libretto - P. Metastasio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1f4KR0M4CrA
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: robnewman on June 12, 2009, 08:14:27 AM
 
Josef Myslivececk (1737-1781)
Concert Aria
''Piu non si trovano'' (c.1774)
Soloist - Magdalena Kozena
Live Televised Performance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhF2Sr0aW_o&feature=related

(Note - About 20 seconds in to this live televised transmission given in Prague of music by Myslivececk appears a prominent reference to a certain 'W.A. Mozart' on the screen. Any such resemblance is of course, purely coincidental). LOL !  :) But, should any doubt exist the 'Mozart' reference appears a second time at 2' 50''  ;D ;D

What the people of the Czech Republic thought of this recent example of musical globalism is not known !!  ::)


Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: robnewman on June 12, 2009, 08:36:03 AM
Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Cello Concerto in C Major
1st Movement
c. 1772

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J28b4vykyqs&feature=related

Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: SonicMan46 on October 21, 2009, 06:31:14 AM
Well, I just posted the information & pics below in Gurn's classical thread - saw that Mr. Newman had started a specific thread on this composer w/ the usual lack of any information!  ;) :D  So, please read on, check out the Wiki link, and post some comments - this is my third disc of 'The Bohemian's' music - this is quite lovely stuff -  :)

Josef Mysliveček (1737-1781) was a Czech composer born in Prague; he left for Venice in 1763 to study opera composition. In the 1770s, he was on friendly terms w/ the Mozart family, which ended in 1778 when he failed to obtain an opera commission in Naples for Wolfie. Mysliveček was also known as Il Boemo (The Bohemian) - apparently the Italians had a difficult time pronouncing his name! He died destitute in Rome in 1781.

Mysliveček contributed to the formation of late 18th century classical music, especially in his symphonic and wind writing.  In the 1770s, during Mozart's visits, some of the stylistic aspects of the older composer's writing certainly influenced the younger Wolfgang.  Il Boemo was a prolific composer - his works include 26 operas, oratorios, cantatas, and other vocal works. He composed nearly 50 symphonies, which are often in a short Italian overture form (such as the works on the disc shown).  He also wrote dozens of concertos and chamber works for one or more instruments, including string quartets/quintets and wind quintets & octets.

More detail of his life (including a disfiguring nose malady, likely syphilis) and a listing of his works can be found in a this Wiki rticle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josef_Myslive%C4%8Dek). A new book entitled Josef Myslivecek, "Il Boemo": The Man and His Music by Daniel Freeman & Susan Parisi was published this year - may see if I can obtain a library copy.   

(http://giradman.smugmug.com/photos/687126242_Zu256-O.jpg)  (http://giradman.smugmug.com/photos/687126254_DSiut-O.jpg)
Title: Re: Josef Mysliveček (1737-1781)
Post by: karlhenning on October 21, 2009, 07:01:58 AM
Quote from: SonicMan on October 21, 2009, 06:31:14 AM
In the 1770s, he was on friendly terms w/ the Mozart family, which ended in 1778 when he failed to obtain an opera commission in Naples for Wolfie.

In Gutman's book, the suggestion appears to be that they met (and against Leopold's moralizing wishes) when Wolfgang visited him at hospital in Munich.  Gutman says nothing about their meeting or corresponding after that period of visitation.
Title: Re: Josef Mysliveček (1737-1781)
Post by: SonicMan46 on October 21, 2009, 07:19:23 AM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on October 21, 2009, 07:01:58 AM
In Gutman's book, the suggestion appears to be that they met (and against Leopold's moralizing wishes) when Wolfgang visited him at hospital in Munich.  Gutman says nothing about their meeting or corresponding after that period of visitation.

Hi Karl - thanks for posting to this hopefully 'renewed' thread - just finishing up on the Violin Concertos - quite good!

I was just checking in Stanley Sadie's book 'Mozart - The Early Years, 1756-1781' - just a couple of references on Mysliveček, who they had met on their first visit to Italy (and maintained much written correspondence).  On pgs. 422-23, mention is made of Mozart visiting the older composer in the hospital in Munich, the latter part of 1777; Sadie then goes on to describe the failed opera commission for Naples, and ends the paragraph "...and Leopold finally came to doubt his sincerity."  So, I assume that by 1778, their correspondence ended.  :)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: karlhenning on October 21, 2009, 07:23:08 AM
Thanks for the enhanced background, Dave!
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: snyprrr on October 21, 2009, 05:29:30 PM
My index indicates two sets of SQs (6 each) from @1780 and @1782 (Op.1 and Op.2), so, either way, at least this index thinks they were written at the end of life. There is, I think, one cd somewhere with the Stamic Quartet on Supraphon or Panton, with some other composers also. I would certainly love to hear that. I can't really find any available Bohemic SQs from the ClassicalEra???!!!!
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: SonicMan46 on October 21, 2009, 05:59:17 PM
Quote from: snyprrr on October 21, 2009, 05:29:30 PM
My index indicates two sets of SQs (6 each) from @1780 and @1782 (Op.1 and Op.2), so, either way, at least this index thinks they were written at the end of life. There is, I think, one cd somewhere with the Stamic Quartet on Supraphon or Panton, with some other composers also. I would certainly love to hear that. I can't really find any available Bohemic SQs from the ClassicalEra???!!!!

Hello Snyprrr - below is another post I left in Gurn's thread - quoted here for those interested in this composer - his Violin Concertos on the first disc were wonderful, so I just put in an order for the second volume w/ the same performers!

Now this guy wrote a LOT of chamber works and I'd love to hear his string works in that genre and especially his wind chamber compositions, BUT little seems to be available under his own name - this is likely wonderful music but when will it appear!  :-\

QuoteHi Franco - the other disc that I own is shown below, left - Concerto Köln performing Symphonies & Overtures; since Myslivecek wrote 45 or so of these works and the numbering system is somewhat confusing, I'm not sure at the moment 'how much' if any overlap is present w/ the Chandos CD that I showed earlier?

BTW - the Violin Concerto recording was just superb, so I put in an order for Vol. 2 by the same performers!  :D

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41DmLYsvIIL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)  (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41R9eQjGqgL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: Gabriel on October 22, 2009, 05:41:38 AM
A composer certainly to investigate. I have the feeling that, excluding Johann Christian Bach, no other important composer has a style so similar to the young Mozart as Myslivecek. Motivated by this discussion I am playing right now a recording of a concert aria of his, Quod est in igne calor, a splendid work for soprano, horn obbligato and orchestra. The arias recorded by Magdalena Kozená in Le belle immagini are also remarkable. Instrumental recordings (v. gr., the symphonies in Chandos or the violin concertos in Supraphon) show a particularly gifted style galant composer.

As I finish this post, I'm listening to an excellent cello concerto in C major written by him. I'm realizing that I had never listened to it with attention. I'm impressed by the sense of balance; there are complicated parts for the soloist, but it doesn't give the impression of a virtuoso work composed just to show musical fireworks. Splendid music.

I feel I will look for other recordings of Myslivecek's music. ;D
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: SonicMan46 on October 22, 2009, 06:17:35 AM
Gabriel - thanks for that post - Myslivecek seems to have been one of the most popular opera composers in Italy at the height of his popularity -  :)

A new book by Daniel Freeman entitled Josef Myslivecek, "Il Boemo": The Man and His Music was just released in 2009 - published by 'Harmonie Park Press' out of Michigan; $38 on Amazon at the moment w/o a discount (and of course no 'used' copies yet!) - will eventually try to borrow this book or obtain a 'cheaper' option.  :)

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51uFZbeoQSL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: SonicMan46 on October 31, 2009, 03:02:52 PM
Well, I recently obtained this composer's Violin Concertos, Vol. 2 after thoroughly enjoying the first volume; these are performed by Shizuka Ishikawa (don't know much about her?) and Libor Pesek w/ the Dvorak Chamber Orchestra.

The CD contains 4 concertos recorded in Prague in 1983 & 1986 (boy, so long ago - and so much more that this composer wrote!) - this set is just as enjoyable as the first volume; beautiful compositions, well performed and recorded -  :D

P.S. - just wanted to add a pic of the composer (below, right; i.e. obviously before is disfiguring nose malady, unless 're-touched' in Photoshop!   :)  ;D).

(http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/MyslivecekViolin2/698533781_NqnW8-O.jpg)  (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/67/Jan_Vil%C3%ADmek_-_Josef_Myslive%C4%8Dek.jpg)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: mc ukrneal on March 17, 2010, 03:57:18 AM
Well, I had just posted on the listening thread about a Myslivecik disc, when someone led me to this temporarily fogotten thread. I was listening to a symphonies disc (the one with the rose), which features the Concerto Koln playing some of the symphonies. It is a period instruments version, but the sound is warm and alluring, with excellent all around performances. If you like this period, I think you will pretty much love Myslivecek (spelling his name is a different matter - no wonder the Italians named him the Bohemian!).  The disc is excellent.

That disc also makes me want to hear more. The Chandos disc has already been commented on, but I wonder if anyone has heard anything of the CPO disc (which is actually a twofer)? And I like others, I'm still trying to figure out if anything duplicates across these discs as the numbering and naming are a bit confusing.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41DmLYsvIIL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/6170KQ7ZX3L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51tfm498f5L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: SonicMan46 on March 31, 2010, 07:09:53 AM
Well, I cannot comment on the CPO Symphony set; but have added two more discs of this composer's music to my collection (now up to a half dozen, and have the CPO CD of Wind Chamber works on my wish list!):

Cello Sonatas w/ Continuo - Kanka & Host on cellos on Praga, distributed by H. Mundi - excellent!

String Quintets - Pro Arte Antiqua Praha w/ two violas - listening @ the moment; superb string writing as usual from Myslivecek -  :)

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vcIu5PB4Qz4/SQ7Due3xLSI/AAAAAAAAAfI/rgcUHbIlDdA/s320/Myslivecek1.jpg)  (http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/MyslivecekStQuintets/824302424_33yGk-S.jpg)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: SonicMan46 on April 05, 2010, 03:00:49 PM
Well, seems like that I cannot get enough of this guy's compositions - still have not obtained a copy of his recent biography discussed in earlier posts, but have acquired a new disc:

Complete Wind Quintets & Octets w/ the L'Orfeo Wind Ensemble playing on period instruments (see pic below, right) - wonderful performances & recording - any other recommendations?  :D

(http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/MyslivecekWindCham1/828642026_MKc8L-S.jpg)  (http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/MyslivecekWindCham2/828642053_P8bAK-S.jpg)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: SonicMan46 on April 26, 2010, 11:52:30 AM
Quote from: SonicMan on October 22, 2009, 06:17:35 AM
A new book by Daniel Freeman entitled Josef Myslivecek, "Il Boemo": The Man and His Music was just released in 2009 - published by 'Harmonie Park Press' out of Michigan; $38 on Amazon at the moment w/o a discount (and of course no 'used' copies yet!) - will eventually try to borrow this book or obtain a 'cheaper' option.  :)

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51uFZbeoQSL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)

Well, I was able to obtain a library loan of the book above, which is divided into 4 major parts:

Part 1 - A Biography of Josef Myslivecek (first 100 pages or so)
Part 2 - The Music of Josef Myslivecek (the next 110 pages)
Part 3 - Myslivecek and Mozart (about 30 pages)
Part 4 - Catalogs of Myslivecek's Instrumental and Vocal Music (about 120 pages)

I concentrated mainly on Parts 1 & 3, and scanned through the catalogs - below is just a summary of his mainly instrumental compositions (of course, not listed are those considered 'dubious', lost, etc.):

Instrumental Works:
Symphonies - 55
Dramatic Overtures - 29
Solo Concertos - 14 (Violin, 10; Cello, 1; Flute, 1; Keyboard, 2)
Duo Concertos - 3 (2 clarinets & 2 horns)
Wind Ensemble - 9 (Octets, 3; Quintets, 6)
Chamber, Misc. - 6 (Oboe Quintets)
String Quintets - 12 (2 sets of 6)
String Quartets - 23
String Trios - 27 (also 6 cello duets w/ bass)
Flute Trios - 6 (w/ violin & bass)
Flute Duets - 6 (w/ bass)
Violin Sonatas - 23 (w/ bass or keyboard)
Keyboard Sonatas - 13

Vocal Works - 26, Operas; Oratorios, 8; Cantatas, 14; Masses, 7; and much more! 

Amazingly prolific and likely the most important musical influence on the young Mozart (more than Leopold, possibly?) - of course, little of this huge output is recorded -  :)

Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: SonicMan46 on April 26, 2010, 12:04:37 PM
Quote from: snyprrr on October 21, 2009, 05:29:30 PM
My index indicates two sets of SQs (6 each) from @1780 and @1782 (Op.1 and Op.2), so, either way, at least this index thinks they were written at the end of life. There is, I think, one cd somewhere with the Stamic Quartet on Supraphon or Panton, with some other composers also. I would certainly love to hear that. I can't really find any available Bohemic SQs from the ClassicalEra???!!!!

Snyprrr - Concerning the String Quartets of Myslivecek, the following is quoted below (from pg. 214 of the book discussed and outlined in my previous post):

Quote...is comprised of three sets of six quartets each, one set published in Paris by...in 1768 or 1769 as Op. 3, another by ....in 1777 as Op. 1, and a posthumous set published in Berlin and Amsterdam by Hummel in 1781 without opus number.  In addition, there are five works preserved only in manuscripts whose sources differ...

So, a total of 23 SQs, 18 in sets of 6, and 5 others!  Currently, I own about a half dozen discs of this composer's works, but no string quartets!  Dave  :D
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: The new erato on May 05, 2016, 11:25:56 PM
At the instigation of SonicMan I crosspost this from the listening thread:

A holiday in Norway, so I am making dents in some box sets that have been laying dormant for too long.

From the Archive cube; I have never heard this music or disc before:

[asin]B000JFZ9FC[/asin]

Obviously a fine Composer worthy of more than a one page thread. My first aquaintance With Myslivecek was this, in the 1970eies; when LPs were expensive and Supraphons were cheap:

(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0000/966/MI0000966284.jpg?partner=allrovi.com).

Totally unknown at the time, and a pretty shaky performance IIRC, this never held more than a minor interest for me.
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: SonicMan46 on May 06, 2016, 12:32:45 PM
Well, New Erato brought this thread TTT after 6 years in the grave - since that time, I've just added the 'Sinfonias' CD to my small collection (bottom, left) - there seems to be little overlap w/ my other disc of symphonies w/ Matthias Bamert; however, I was looking at the Chandos listings, which are Symphonies F 26 - F 31 (F for Daniel Freeman, the author of the book I discussed previously which was published in 2009), and comparing their description to those on the 2-CD CPO offering - the keys for six works are identical and the date of 1772 matches the same in the Bamert booklet notes, so I suspect those two discs completely overlap - I've not done a thorough check on the Concerto Köln recordings but suspect some overlap.

NOW, to further confuse the issue of cataloguing Myslivecek's compositions is yet another earlier contender, i.e. Evans & Dearling from 1999 and listed as 'ED' numbers (also known as the 'EvaM' which is used on the CPO recordings).  SO, in summary, multiple catalogs of his works exist and the Bamert CD and first disc of the CPO double set seem to be the same compositions - :)  Dave

Quote"ED" numbers for works are cited from: Josef Mysliveček (1737-1781); a thematic catalogue of his instrumental and orchestral works Angela Evans; Robert Dearling (Munchen, 1999) (Source (http://imslp.org/wiki/Category:Mysliveček,_Josef))

(https://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-NB9WGcS/0/O/Myslivecek_Symphonies_PragueCO.png)  (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51OD4poQKZL.jpg)  (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71mu8WAL%2BvL._SL1200_.jpg)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: SonicMan46 on May 06, 2016, 02:32:42 PM
Well, after my last post and the 6-year gap between my last post on this thread, I decided to see what might be 'new' for Josef on Amazon - could not find much, the few instrumental discs available were either poorly reviewed or duplicated what I already own - BUT, Myslivecek is known as an excellent vocal composer, both operas & scared works (and was admired by the young WA Mozart for this skill) - SO, I decided to obtain a 'vocal' recording and choose the one shown below - I have a lot of Passions and Requiems - this is a SACD 2-CD set on the Capriccio label - good review HERE (http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2006/Feb06/Myslivecek_passion_7102526.htm) - went w/ a used copy from 'across the pond' and w/ some credit, got the recording for $10 - worth a try!  Dave :)

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Q213u7aOL.jpg)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: Scion7 on May 07, 2016, 12:48:04 AM
The womanizer had some good tunes!

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51%2BF%2BkkI%2BbL.jpg)
[asin]B000027TDF[/asin]
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: SonicMan46 on May 07, 2016, 09:37:42 AM
Quote from: Scion7 on May 07, 2016, 12:48:04 AM
The womanizer had some good tunes!


Yes, he did have a 'reputation' - ;)  The book that I read a while back (shown on the first page of the thread) has some 'juicy' details as I recall, especially the part about losing his nose - quote below from his Wiki Article (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josef_Mysliveček), but certainly not unusual for his day nor for composers back then - :)  Dave

QuoteAccording to the same letter of Wolfgang Mozart written from Munich on 11 October 1777, an incompetent surgeon burned off Mysliveček's nose while trying to treat a mysterious illness.[6] A letter of Leopold Mozart to his son of 1 October 1777 refers to the illness as something shameful for which Mysliveček was deserving of social ostracism. Mysliveček's reputation for sexual promiscuity, Leopold's insinuations, and the reference to facial disfigurement in Wolfgang's letter hint unmistakenly at the symptoms of tertiary syphilis.
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: SonicMan46 on May 07, 2016, 10:05:41 AM
SO, what did Josef look like after his botched nose job for tertiary syphilis?   ::)

Well, going through 'google images', I could not find a pic of the composer sans nose - his honorary bust in Prague shows him w/ an intact nose - back in those pre-anitibotic centuries, the nose was a vulnerable appendage and syphilis was a primary culprit - see image below (right) from HERE (https://thechirurgeonsapprentice.com/2013/09/04/renaissance-rhinoplasty-the-16th-century-nose-job/) - Dave :)

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ec/Myslivecek_-_bust_on_his_house.jpg)  (https://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous/i-XznFwRm/0/O/NoseJob_16thCentury.png)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781) : nose job
Post by: Scion7 on May 07, 2016, 10:12:24 AM
The online articles I read stated he lost his nose in his later years, and it was due to botched surgery.  It would have had to have happened after his various . . . appointments . . . with the various women he indulged in.
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: Scion7 on May 07, 2016, 12:22:08 PM
Yeah, I know a lot of commentators have said her looks have helped, but there are lots of beautiful players - Ofra has talent.

(https://img.discogs.com/gezpykJG3BZKUzH2vXqI1Utf1Y4=/fit-in/398x350/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-6201041-1413575089-6722.jpeg.jpg)

Josef Mysliveček: Concerto For Cello And Orchestra In C Major
I    Allegro Moderato    
II    Grave    
III    Tempo Di Minuetto
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: SonicMan46 on May 07, 2016, 02:55:07 PM
Quote from: Scion7 on May 07, 2016, 12:22:08 PM
Yeah, I know a lot of commentators have said her looks have helped, but there are lots of beautiful players - Ofra has talent.

(https://img.discogs.com/gezpykJG3BZKUzH2vXqI1Utf1Y4=/fit-in/398x350/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-6201041-1413575089-6722.jpeg.jpg)  (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71xPs8aaZyL._SL1091_.jpg)

Josef Mysliveček: Concerto For Cello And Orchestra In C Major

Hi Scion7 - I'd love to have that Myslivecek Cello Concerto, but the reviews by the Amazonians HERE (http://www.amazon.com/Ofra-Harnoy-Trilogy-Cello-Concertos/dp/B000003FAB/ref=sr_1_5?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1462661205&sr=1-5&keywords=ofra+harnoy) are mediocre - what do you think of the recording/performance - have not done any cross-referencing (BUT, can't be the price!).

Also, found the recording inserted above w/ Wendy Warner, someone unknown to be - the disc is filled w/ Haydn's two concertos, which I already own on several discs, but both period performances? - assume Warner is 'modern' - any thoughts from those reading this thread would be appreciated - the Amazonian reviews are 4+/5* - Dave :)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: Scion7 on May 07, 2016, 03:30:55 PM
I never go by others' opinions unless there is some sort of mass-condemnation of the recording quality, etc.  I've got several things she has done, and on YT there used to be several concert videos of her - she did a fine job as far as I am concerned. She's also been a student of some gifted teachers.  I like the performance of the concerto, personally.  Also good to have some variety from the "complete set" stuff of CPO, et al.

I was nosing around and found that the Ishikawa Supraphon stuff had been issued on LP before - nice covers:

(https://img.discogs.com/5bfAtzrG6fk5x7ntSbNrBltozRk=/fit-in/600x605/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-8447103-1461778608-5342.jpeg.jpg) (https://img.discogs.com/374Qw_UA5zUq-XKjlYgh7Yq6wp8=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-8447103-1461778605-8711.jpeg.jpg)

(https://img.discogs.com/Kx9tG2d5xE8yUqJ8PHDuqpjz9Y8=/fit-in/600x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-8447103-1461778600-7987.jpeg.jpg) (https://img.discogs.com/FQm0mHqYTU84IxAs_9iADJp3qPo=/fit-in/600x594/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-8447103-1461778612-1102.jpeg.jpg)

Off-topic - there is a nice live recording of her with this same accompaniment for Dvorak's concerto in a-minor, Tokyo, 1976, on YT.


Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: SonicMan46 on May 07, 2016, 06:15:53 PM
Quote from: Scion7 on May 07, 2016, 03:30:55 PM
I never go by others' opinions unless there is some sort of mass-condemnation of the recording quality, etc.  I've got several things she has done, and on YT there used to be several concert videos of her - she did a fine job as far as I am concerned. She's also been a student of some gifted teachers.  I like the performance of the concerto, personally.  Also good to have some variety from the "complete set" stuff of CPO, et al.

I was nosing around and found that the Ishikawa Supraphon stuff had been issued on LP before - nice covers:


Off-topic - there is a nice live recording of her with this same accompaniment for Dvorak's concerto in a-minor, Tokyo, 1976, on YT.

Well, I went ahead and ordered a 'used' CD of the cello concerto w/ Wendy Warner - found some good reviews (PDF attached for those who may be interested); as to Ofra Harnoy,  I do have her complete Vivaldi cello concertos which I do enjoy - thanks for your input to this thread!  Dave :)

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71xPs8aaZyL._SX522_.jpg)  (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51mHL3ImU7L._SS280.jpg)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek [1737-1781]
Post by: Scion7 on May 08, 2016, 02:11:38 AM
(http://is5.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music/v4/bf/26/52/bf265223-96a2-d7a9-d6a2-d26fe18480ca/source/600x600bb.jpg)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/512L-yZVX8L.jpg)

[asin]B00000223U[/asin]

The C major violin concerto.
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: Scion7 on May 09, 2016, 02:16:44 AM
Liz Wallfisch on the Violin Concerto Nr.4 in Bb

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51NirV75A1L._SY500.jpg)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: Scion7 on May 10, 2016, 02:07:47 AM
These are very fine pieces. The Partitas (Octets) are also on CPO paired with Haydn,
but I like this Hungaroton set better.

(http://s32.postimg.org/7zx8h5glx/Budapest.jpg)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: SonicMan46 on May 12, 2016, 08:24:47 AM
Haydn & Myslivecek - Cello Concertos w/ Wendy Warner & Camerata Chicago conducted by Drostan Hall - will add a more extensive review in the Josef Myslivecek thread, the main reason for my purchase -  NOTE: Reposted from listening thread w/ additional information, pics, and reviews (PDF attachment) added - Dave :)

As already shown by Scion7, the remaining options for Myslivecek, especially by himself are few - so today, I received the Wendy Warner (maybe another 'cello babe'?) recording below; the Myslivecek work is a violin concerto arrangement for cello and is sandwiched between two Haydn concertos (C Major & D Major) - the transitions between the works of the two composers is seamless; the sound is superb (24-bit recording).

Warner plays a cello by Pietro Guarneri II, Venice c. 1739 nicknamed the "Beatrice Harrison" after the late British cellist (see the two lower pics); she also uses a period bow by Francois Xavier Tourte, c. 1815 called "De Lamare" (and on extended loan through the Stradivari Society of Chicago).  The recording took place over two days in November, 2012 in College Church, Wheaton, IL.

Attached is a PDF file of two reviews, including a 10/10 rating by David Vernier - cannot agree more w/ his comments - the orchestra consisted of 25 members (21 mixed strings), including 2 oboes & 2 horns.  Highly recommended!

(https://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-nX8sh8L/0/O/Haydn_Myslivecek_Cello_Warner.jpg)  (https://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-QJmF3Tk/0/O/WendyWarner.png)

(https://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-h77gPHV/0/O/Cello_Guarneri_1739.png)  (https://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-w4Wj5zW/0/O/Harrison_Beatrice.jpg)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: Jo498 on May 20, 2016, 11:39:42 AM
I have the following disc which is a licensed re-issue (originally "Popron Classics" 1992). I has a cello concerto in C major and an extended soprano aria with solo horn "Quod est in igne calor" but the only artists mentioned are Virtuosi di Praga and conductor Oldrich Vlcek, no cellist or singer. Does anyone know/have seen an alternative issue with the names of the other artists? There is at least another issue as a double disc coupled with Reicha, see below:

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71HUOGCZNVL._SX425_.jpg)

http://www.amazon.de/Bl%C3%A4seroktett-Konzert-Violoncello-Dis-Dur-Sinfonie/dp/B00B0VR858

[asin]B00005B5PD[/asin]
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: Jo498 on May 20, 2016, 11:43:50 PM
Yes, it's a pity that they these recordings were presented so unprofessionally. They seem pretty good as interpretations go and the twofer series "Prager Virtuosen" has a lot of Czech niche repertoire. Apparently they could be licensed for a pittance in the 1990s and Cantus Classics never bothered with a decent documentation (although they have recording years and venues, like Hussitenkirche or Domovina studios).
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: SonicMan46 on May 23, 2016, 09:44:46 AM
The Passion of Christ - just finished listening to this 2-CD set which arrived today - left a brief description (quoted below) in the 'listening thread', and also attached several MusicWeb reviews.  Myslivecek wrote many vocal works, including 26 Opera Seria in the Italian style - his favorite librettist was Metastasio, who's writings were used in 16 of those operas (Source (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_operas_by_Mysliveček)); his other vocal compositions are listed immediately below (Source (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josef_Mysliveček)) - some of these works are lost, and the ones 'extant' are little perform or recorded - in reviewing a dozen pages on Amazon of the composer's offerings, I could find just the ones pictured at the bottom, most seemed OOP and available as 'used' copies, sometimes at exorbitant prices.  SO, Josef's chamber works & symphonies seem to be the current best offerings!  Dave :)

Oratorios - 8
Secular Cantatas - 7
Secular dramatic works - 4
Other Sacred Works & Songs

QuoteMyslivecek, Josef - The Passion of Christ w/ Christoph Spering/Das Neue Rochester/Chorus Musicus Köln - no biblical passages are used, but based on a 1730 'libretto' by Pietro Metastasio (1698-1782) and put to music by a number of composers, including Salieri (and recorded by the same performers) - Myslivecek was best known in the 18th century as a composer of Italian opera seria - my first vocal work by him - a couple of MusicWeb comments also attached.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-gnpn82C/0/O/Myslivecek_LaPassione.png)  (https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-6fbCTCk/0/O/Myslivecek_VocalCDs.png)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: SonicMan46 on April 17, 2020, 12:09:30 PM
TTT! Well, a 4-year hiatus for Il Boemo - listening today to my modest collection (9 CDs) of his instrumental works; actually, I've not added any discs in the interim, so decided to explore Amazon this afternoon looking for non-vocal recordings primarily if not solely dedicated to him rather than 'multi-composer performances' (of which many exist) - well not much seems to have appeared except for the two shown below - attached are rather mediocre reviews - thus will not be purchases for me.  Of course, Amazon USA may be missing some newer recordings so any comments welcomed.  Dave :)

P.S. Previously, I had read (and discussed in the thread earlier) the Myslivecek book at the bottom (Daniel Freeman, 2009 - responsible for the F. cataloguing) - WELL, obviously OOP and going for $900 USD for a used copy - my read was a library loan!

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81kSq5pw5nL._SL1500_.jpg)  (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71whtLAGTDL._SL1000_.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-BNKtZtN/0/a20a53d1/O/Myslivecek_Book2.png)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: SonicMan46 on March 19, 2021, 07:46:18 AM
Yesterday, I listened to 6 of the 9 CDs owned by me of Il Boemo - took a look on Amazon to see 'what' might be new - not a whole lot and much OOP and/or overpriced.  SO, put together a Spotify playlist of the 4 recordings below which are not in my possession - looked for reviews but found only a couple discussing the 'piano works' disc (attached); to this point I've listened to the Quintetti per archi & the Oboe/String Quartets (the latter just released in October 2020, so musicians still recording Myslivecek!); both of these recordings are excellent and well done.  For those not into this composer and subscribers to a musical streaming service, then visit and take a listen.  Dave :)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61OBue3UOZL._SL1200_.jpg)  (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81kSq5pw5nL._SL1500_.jpg)

(https://is5-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music118/v4/3e/4d/cf/3e4dcf4f-a146-143e-a9d7-cb2c403244f0/cover.jpg/600x600bf.png)  (https://is3-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music115/v4/71/91/66/7191667b-e73b-ad9d-d6e6-c8202b935a48/cover.jpg/1200x1200bf-60.jpg)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: Rinaldo on March 19, 2021, 09:58:51 AM
Thanks for persevering, SonicMan!

As some of you may know, a Mysliveček movie is in the works – in the editing room, to be precise. And there's a lot of promise it might turn out good: the director – Petr Václav – is one of Czech's best and his interest in the topic is genuine. His movies are gritty, immediate, with a strong social conscience. Definitely no crowd pleasers! He already made a documentary about Mysliveček and worked on the movie even before that, exchanging notes and meeting with Daniel Freeman. He also brought on board Václav Luks, the artistic director of Collegium 1704 and the orchestra itself participated in the shoot, so in the scenes of Mysliveček conducting, the musicians are playing live. I applaud this approach and can't wait for the premiere, which is scheduled for this fall, although the project underwent some covid-related delays.

Here are a few shots from the set at Teatro Sociale in Como, Italy. Yes, that's Jaroussky in the first one, playing one of the singers:

(https://i.ibb.co/1nwDJtw/boemo-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/n05H8N5) (https://i.ibb.co/rwckTg4/boemo-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yQY0GDW)
(https://i.ibb.co/qDVCm02/boemo-3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8mtbPzQ) (https://i.ibb.co/HKsLHSc/boemo-4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YNM4LC5)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: Florestan on March 19, 2021, 10:30:59 AM
Quote from: SonicMan46 on March 19, 2021, 07:46:18 AM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81kSq5pw5nL._SL1500_.jpg)

This is a fantastic, Florestan-Stamp-of-Approval disc. Too bad Myslivecek wrote so little keyboard music, he really had a knack for it.
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: SonicMan46 on March 19, 2021, 10:42:40 AM
Quote from: Rinaldo on March 19, 2021, 09:58:51 AM
Thanks for persevering, SonicMan!

As some of you may know, a Mysliveček movie is in the works – in the editing room, to be precise. And there's a lot of promise it might turn out good: the director – Petr Václav – is one of Czech's best and his interest in the topic is genuine. His movies are gritty, immediate, with a strong social conscience. Definitely no crowd pleasers! He already made a documentary about Mysliveček and worked on the movie even before that, exchanging notes and meeting with Daniel Freeman. He also brought on board Václav Luks, the artistic director of Collegium 1704 and the orchestra itself participated in the shoot, so in the scenes of Mysliveček conducting, the musicians are playing live. I applaud this approach and can't wait for the premiere, which is scheduled for this fall, although the project underwent some covid-related delays.

Here are a few shots from the set at Teatro Sociale in Como, Italy. Yes, that's Jaroussky in the first one, playing one of the singers:

(https://i.ibb.co/1nwDJtw/boemo-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/n05H8N5) (https://i.ibb.co/rwckTg4/boemo-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yQY0GDW)
(https://i.ibb.co/qDVCm02/boemo-3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8mtbPzQ) (https://i.ibb.co/HKsLHSc/boemo-4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YNM4LC5)

Thanks Rinaldo for the information above - looking forward to the hopeful outcome!  Dave :)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: Que on March 19, 2021, 11:18:11 AM
Dave, excellent idea to revive this thread!  :)

Probably a question you expected from me: could you possibly point out the period instruments performances?  8)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: SonicMan46 on March 19, 2021, 01:04:18 PM
Quote from: Que on March 19, 2021, 11:18:11 AM
Dave, excellent idea to revive this thread!  :)

Probably a question you expected from me: could you possibly point out the period instruments performances?  8)

Hi Que - well, not sure if your meant the ones I own and have shown in the thread or the recent Spotify playlist posted?  But I own 9 CDs of Il Boemo's music - see pic below from my database (click to enlarge) - from my quick perusal of the booklet notes (and some web searching), the ones in red are period instrument performances (in several others the notes do not state) - I suspect that you would like the 'Wind Quintets & Octets', although hard to turn down Concerto Köln.

Of the 4 on my Spotify playlist, I have no notes - in the 'Oboe Quintets', the instrument sounds modern, as is the piano in that recording; cannot comment for sure on the other two recordings of 'String Quartets' & 'Quintetti di archi', sorry.  Dave :)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-TXv3VT4/0/19e95bd7/L/MyslivecekCDsOwned-L.png)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: Que on March 19, 2021, 01:15:03 PM
Thanks, Dave!  :)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: SonicMan46 on June 30, 2021, 09:24:46 AM
Quote from: Florestan on March 19, 2021, 10:30:59 AM
This is a fantastic, Florestan-Stamp-of-Approval disc. Too bad Myslivecek wrote so little keyboard music, he really had a knack for it.

Well, a repost below from today's listening thread - with Andrei's encouragement above, plus a Spotify audition and a handful of excellent reviews (attached), I ordered the newest addition to my JM collection - thought that the solo pieces might be a little simplistic but was mistaken and Hammond does a great job playing all!  Dave :)

QuoteMyslivecek, Josef - Keyboard Music w/ Clare Hammond and Nicholas McGegan/Swedish Chamber Orchestra; consists of two piano concertos (about a third of the 76+min disc time, and divertimenti/exercises for solo piano, the remainder of the recording) - first new CD added to my JM collection in a number of years!  Well, I was not sure about this 'dual purpose' recording, i.e. concertos + 'simple' piano pieces, but I first listened on Spotify and was pleased, so ordered the CD - the reviews have generally been excellent (attached).  Dave :)

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81kSq5pw5nL._SL1500_.jpg)  (https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/658ef04c3a245309d5ed2c0c27a5ef56cc903c6e/0_3_4104_2462/master/4104.jpg?width=620&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=b778f62f798bd613c27d3e1b6d46c242)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: Que on June 30, 2021, 09:30:37 AM
Quote from: SonicMan46 on March 31, 2010, 07:09:53 AM

String Quintets - Pro Arte Antiqua Praha w/ two violas - listening @ the moment; superb string writing as usual from Myslivecek -  :)

(http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/MyslivecekStQuintets/824302424_33yGk-S.jpg)

Own that recording and love it.  :)
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: SonicMan46 on June 30, 2021, 09:34:31 AM
Quote from: Que on June 30, 2021, 09:30:37 AM
Own that recording and love it.  :)

+1 - like his wind works.  8)  Dave
Title: Re: Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781)
Post by: SonicMan46 on May 14, 2022, 09:32:20 AM
Il Boemo's Symphony numbering - anyone have a handle on the logic, if any?  According to his Wiki Article (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josef_Myslive%C4%8Dek), Myslivecek has 55 symphonies listed - I own the first 3 single discs shown below; the Bambert recording (done in 2003) has 6 works (claim 'premieres' then) and are labelled F26 to F31; Concerto Köln lists keys and movement names; the Prague CO (third one) also does the same - NOW, there is a new offering to me on Amazon from CPO (4th pic below) w/ 2 discs, first having Symphonies w/ keys and Roman numeral numbers, second having opera overtures except for one symphony - BUT, some clarification, i.e. the attached Fanfare review (text in bold) states that the symphonies on the first disc are the same as those on the Bambert recording, so probably don't need to add to my collection (esp. at the price asked).  Dave :)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/716gu99inEL._SL1089_.jpg)  (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41xpfo1ktWL.jpg)  (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71w2QuC783L._SL1107_.jpg)  (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51OD4poQKZL.jpg)