Zdenek Fibich (1850 - 1900 ) has never achieved the fame of Smetana, Dvorak and Janacek, but from what I have heard of his music, he deserves to be better-known.
I have the Chandos cds of his three symphonies conducted by that tireless champion of neglected music, Neeme Jarvi. Praise be to Jarvi ! He has put audiences and classical cd collectors everywhere in his debt by giving a chance to so much unjustly neglected music. And I don't agree with those on this Forum who have been pooh-poohing him as a conductor. I have never heard a bad performance from him, and many of the highest quality.
The three symphonies may not be earth-shaking masterpieces, but they are very appealing, chock full of wonderful melodies and impeccably crafted. It would be wonderful if some other conductors than Jarvi would program these symphonies at concerts instead of doing the umpteenth performance of the New World , wonderful as that thrice-familiar symphony is.
I have also heard the Supraphon recording of his opera Sarka, based on the old Czech legend depicted in Ma Vlast, also set by Janacek as a opera. It was in my old public library where I used to live, and I don't remember the names of the Czech cast and conductor, but I loved it, and was amazed that such an obscure opera could be that good. There is also a recording on Orfeo which I have nnot heard.
If you can find either of these recordings, grab them. There were also some other cds which I have not heard of some Czech plays for which Fibich did not actually write incidental music, but something called melodrama, that is the plays with continuous musical commentary. These were reviewed in Fanfare magazine several years ago, and sound intriguing.
Yes, a fine composer. In addition to his symphonies, I have a couple of chamber music discs:
By all means, I am agreeing with you about the Fibich recordings, and its worth to the musical worth. Neeme Jarvi, is a excellent conductor, but as all his compeers he had his Waterloo's, and one major failure was the entire Dvorak Symphony cycle on Chandos. From the very beginning a dead duck. slow tempi, uninspired sluggish music making!
It's nice to know there are some others who enjoy Fibich's music also.
By chance, I just borrowed Jarvi's set of the complete Dvorak symphonies from a nearby library through the interloan system, and liked it very much.I didn't hear these recordings the way you do at all. Oh well, we all hear things differently.
Another vote for Fibich--he's very much akin to Dvorak. Try also Novak and Suk if you want to hear Czech composers in a Romantic vein who haven't gotten their due.
Quote from: Grazioso on October 15, 2008, 04:05:11 AM
Another vote for Fibich--he's very much akin to Dvorak. Try also Novak and Suk if you want to hear Czech composers in a Romantic vein who haven't gotten their due.
And Josef Bohuslav Foerster!
Quote from: Dundonnell on October 17, 2008, 02:41:55 PM
And Josef Bohuslav Foerster!
Any particular Foerster discs that you recommend? I've had my eye on a relatively new Supraphon disc of violin concertos.
Quote from: Bulldog on October 17, 2008, 02:58:21 PM
Any particular Foerster discs that you recommend? I've had my eye on a relatively new Supraphon disc of violin concertos.
Yes that disc is certainly worth investigating. Both concertos are well-constructed essays in late romanticism, warm, attractive works which put musical content ahead of virtuosity for the sake of it. There is an alternative performance of the First Violin Concerto on Orfeo played by Andrea Duke Lowenstein coupled with the equally attractive Symphonic Suite "Cyrano de Bergerac" but it does make sense to buy the Supraphon coupling.
The 1st and 2nd symphonies were released recently by MDG. A review-
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classRev/2008/May08/Foerster_mdg63214912.htm
but, of course, Foerster's masterpiece was the Symphony No.4 "Easter Eve"-either the old Supraphon under Smetacek or the more recent worthy Naxos version under Lance Friedel. This really must count as the greatest Czech symphony of the post Dvorak generation-a marriage of Foerster's Bohemian heritage with Brucknerian and Mahlerian influences. It is profound, deeply sincere and builds in its finale to a quite splendid climax of real grandeur. If you don't know it I very strongly recommend this work!
No comments! :D Just wanted to add a post to this thread to keep tract of the recommendations - have no recordings of this composer at the moment, but as many of us here, I'm a great fan of 'forgotten' composers, and particularly from eastern Europe - will likely add several his discs to my collection in the near future! So keep up w/ the suggestions! - :)
Quote from: Dundonnell on October 17, 2008, 05:10:08 PM
but, of course, Foerster's masterpiece was the Symphony No.4 "Easter Eve"-either the old Supraphon under Smetacek or the more recent worthy Naxos version under Lance Friedel. This really must count as the greatest Czech symphony of the post Dvorak generation-a marriage of Foerster's Bohemian heritage with Brucknerian and Mahlerian influences. It is profound, deeply sincere and builds in its finale to a quite splendid climax of real grandeur. If you don't know it I very strongly recommend this work!
I'd agree that this work makes the best introduction to Foerster's world; it was my introduction, and unfortunately remains the only work I have by the composer. (I have the Friedel/Naxos.)
Quote from: Brian on October 20, 2008, 03:24:32 PM
I'd agree that this work makes the best introduction to Foerster's world; it was my introduction, and unfortunately remains the only work I have by the composer. (I have the Friedel/Naxos.)
Explore the rest by all means but I have to admit that nothing I have heard so far matches the 4th symphony. Looking forward to hearing Nos. 3 and 5 though when MDG get round to recording them.
Next month Naxos commences a new series of Fibich's orchestral works.
(http://cdn.naxos.com/SharedFiles/images/cds/others/8.572985.gif) (http://www.naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=8.572985)
QuoteFIBICH, Z.: Orchestral Works, Vol. 1 - Symphony No. 1 / Impressions from the Countryside (Czech National Symphony, Stilec)
Zdenĕk Fibich's career overlapped those of his countrymen Smetana and Dvořák, but his music remained poised between the twin poles of Czech nationalism and the New German School. His earliest surviving symphony is No 1 in F major, Op 17, completed in Prague in 1883. Whilst it is the most conventional of his three symphonies it is excellently proportioned and reveals the influence of Schumann on his developing art. Impressions from the Countryside, Op 54 is, in effect, a symphonic suite and was highly influential on the younger generation of Czech composers.
Fibich, Zdenek
Symphony No. 1 in F major, Op. 17
1. I. Allegro moderato 00:16:14
2. II. Scherzo: Allegro assai 00:05:45
3. III. Adagio non troppo (alla romanza) 00:05:10
4. IV. Finale: Allegro con fuoco e vivace 00:09:33
Impressions from the Countryside, Op. 54
5. I. Moonlit Night (Mesicna noc) 00:02:56
6. II. Country Dance (Sousedska) 00:03:06
7. III. Highlands Ho (Vzhuru) 00:04:11
8. IV. Fireside Talk (Na tackach) 00:07:19
9. V. Village Dance (Tanec v zeleni) 00:07:51
Total Playing Time: 01:02:05
Actually the Czechs have really good composers, who lived in the shadow of great composers like Dvorak and Fibich is one of them. Another great composer is Josef Suk, I highly recommend you to hear his Fantastique Scherzo for orchestra! :)
Quote from: thulium on March 10, 2013, 01:06:49 PM
Actually the Czechs have really good composers, who lived in the shadow of great composers like Dvorak and Fibich is one of them. Another great composer is Josef Suk, I highly recommend you to hear his Fantastique Scherzo for orchestra! :)
Welcome to the forum!
Suk is certainly great, and there's a thread for him already here (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,11862.0.html). Lots of other great Czech music from the first half of the 20th century, like
Martinu,
Hába,
Schulhoff, and
Haas.
Thank you! It is really a great forum for classical music! I am happy that I found it!
Quote from: North Star on March 10, 2013, 04:14:56 PM
Welcome to the forum!
Suk is certainly great, and there's a thread for him already here (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,11862.0.html). Lots of other great Czech music from the first half of the 20th century, like Martinu, Hába, Schulhoff, and Haas.
You didn't even mention Janacek, Karlo?!?!? For shame! This is the first composer I recommend to people inquiring about Czech music.
Quote from: SonicMan46 on October 17, 2008, 05:27:55 PM
No comments! :D Just wanted to add a post to this thread to keep tract of the recommendations - have no recordings of this composer at the moment, but as many of us here, I'm a great fan of 'forgotten' composers, and particularly from eastern Europe - will likely add several his discs to my collection in the near future! So keep up w/ the suggestions! - :)
BOY! Five years ago, I was about to add
Fibich to my collection but forgot - well, never too late - CDs below just ordered - :)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51S1S32RahL._SY300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41N97EEGJ9L.jpg)
Quote from: Mirror Image on March 11, 2013, 06:38:42 AM
You didn't even mention Janacek, Karlo?!?!? For shame! This is the first composer I recommend to people inquiring about a Czech composer.
He's pretty good, too 8), but quite a bit older than the others, even if one recognizes his late blooming.
Quote from: North Star on March 11, 2013, 07:13:17 AM
He's pretty good, too 8), but quite a bit older than the others, even if one recognizes his late blooming.
The age thing doesn't matter, Karlo. He was one of the greatest late-bloomers in classical music ever. Roussel should be counted here as well.
Quote from: Mirror Image on March 11, 2013, 07:28:51 AM
The age thing doesn't matter, Karlo. He was one of the greatest late-bloomers in classical music ever. Roussel should be counted here as well.
Of course it doesn't
matter, John. I was just thinking of the younger generation, who are also by far less well known than
Janacek. I certainly agree that
Janacek is the gateway composer.
And as for Czech composer recommendations,
Zelenka,
Dvorak, and
Janacek are definitely the big four.
Quote from: North Star on March 11, 2013, 09:16:29 AM
And as for Czech composer recommendations, Zelenka, Dvorak, and Janacek are definitely the big four.
Since you wrote "the big four" I assume you left out Smetana? Or was it Suk or Martinu? ;)
Quote from: Brian on March 11, 2013, 09:29:53 AM
Since you wrote "the big four" I assume you left out Smetana? Or was it Suk or Martinu? ;)
Any of those guys ;)
Martinu, really, but he's not among the most likely ones to be recommended first. But Moldau and Bartered Bride are certainly worthy stuff, too. And Suk, certainly. But I'd say there are really only three big ones, and then these three.
Got an email from Naxos this morning saying they are actually recording all of Fibich's orchestral works, and the project will encompass 8 CDs.
Well, TTT! :D Has been nearly 18 months since the last posts were made to this thread - I now have 4 discs of Fibich's music (the SQs shown previously) and the 3 additional ones below (on top) - appears that Naxos is indeed adding slowly to his orchestral output checking on Amazon.
SO, wondering if there are any comments on the Naxos release of the Symphonic Poems (bottom, left)? I'm also wondering about Radoslav Kvapil in the piano music ($8 MP3 DL from Classicsonline) - there is just some minor overlap (7 tracks) w/ the other piano CD that I own. And yet another consideration, i.e. Piano Quartet/Quintet (which includes clarinet & horn) - however, pricing is a little outrageous on the Amazon MP and is not available at Classicsonline? Thanks all! Dave :)
(http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-PJ5FLH9/0/S/Fibich_Symph1-S.jpg) (http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-G7FJWTn/0/S/Fibich_Symph2_3-S.jpg) (http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-9fkRvTB/0/M/Fibich_Piano-M.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81N9-B2BAxL._SL1500_.jpg) (http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-bcGz5MN/0/S/Fibich_Kvpil-S.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Twabc0hDL.jpg)
Actually Dave, out of the three Naxos releases so far (Symphonies 1 & 2, then the Symphonic Poems), the symphonic poems CD has impressed me the most. There is some catchy music there, and it's more concise than the symphonies. Plus, the orchestra and conductor seem to be improving as they get acclimated to the composer - in the Symphony No. 1 I wasn't too impressed.
Do you have the violin sonatas CD with Josef Suk, on Supraphon?
Quote from: Brian on August 08, 2014, 12:37:28 PM
Actually Dave, out of the three Naxos releases so far (Symphonies 1 & 2, then the Symphonic Poems), the symphonic poems CD has impressed me the most. There is some catchy music there, and it's more concise than the symphonies. Plus, the orchestra and conductor seem to be improving as they get acclimated to the composer - in the Symphony No. 1 I wasn't too impressed.
Do you have the violin sonatas CD with Josef Suk, on Supraphon?
Hi
Brian - I have just those top 3 CDs in my recent post (plus the String Quartets) - about an hour ago I did purchase the piano music recording shown on the bottom row of images (MP3 DL from Classicsonline), burned to CD-R and listening now - quite enjoyable.
I'll order the Symphonic Poems from the Amazon MP and I'd love to somehow obtain that MDG recording but just not available at a decent price.
As to the Violin Sonatas, do you mean the CD below - available for $11 on the Amazon MP - do you like it? Dave :)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51jrie2sJ6L.jpg)
That's the one I mean! I don't have it, but I just saw this ClassicsToday 10/10 review (http://www.classicstoday.com/review/review-5249/?search=1) and got interested:
"The disc opens with the bright, tuneful Sonatina, a piece remarkable for having been composed in a single day, and for the major/minor mode interplay that's a distinctive feature of so much Czech music. The four-movement Sonata in D, the most substantial work here, begins with a slow, quasi-fugal introduction which, after returning at the start of the finale, opens up into a delightful Polonaise. Fibich was fond of this dance form, and composed an even grander version in the Concert Polonaise of 1878. The remaining works, the Romance, Song without Words, and Clear Night all share the same warm, home-spun quality that makes Fibich's music so comforting. Violinist par excellence Josef Suk gives tour-de-force performances of his countryman's compositions, and he's smartly partnered by the sensitive and stylish playing of Josef Hála at the piano. Supraphon's excellent sound provides the icing on the cake."
Well, that review of the violin & piano music piqued my interest! :)
So, I looked for some more reviews and found a couple, one from Fanfare 2001 & another from BBC Magazine (both are in a single PDF file attached for those who may be interested). There are two recent 5* reviews on Amazon, but I'm assuming that this was recorded before 2001 and maybe re-released - not sure? Also the timing is listed as only 51 minutes - hmmm? Think that hold off for the moment - Dave
"After Smetana and Dvorák he was the most prominent Czech composer of the second half of the 19th century..." - The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians
"Fibich was the third of the leading Czech composers of the last half of the nineteenth century, after Smetana and Dvorák." - AllMusic Classical Archives
Chamber Music
===============================
Instruktivní sonatina, d, vn, pf, op.27, 1869 (1877)
Piano Trio, f, 1872 (1908)
Jasná noc [Clear Night] (Andantino), vn, pf, 1873, Mlady houslista (n.d.), in Sbírka populárních skladeb (n.d.)
Piano Quartet, e, op.11, 1874 (1880)
String Quartet, A, 1874, SV
Sonata, C, vn, pf, 1874
Sonata, D, vn, pf, 1875, SV
Koncertní polonesa [Concert Polonaise], vn, pf, 1878, ed. N. Kubát (1922)
String Quartet, G, op.8, 1878 (1879)
Romance, B, vn, pf, op.10, 1879, Dalibor, ii (1880), suppl.
Selanka [Idyll], cl/vn, pf, op.16, 1879 (1883 or 1884)
Tema con variazioni, B, 2 vn, va, vc, 1883, parts (1910) [rev. and enlarged transcr. of Variations, pf, 1877]
Quintet, D, pf, cl, hn, vn, vc, op.42, 1893 (1895), arr. pf 4 hands by A. Schulzová (1896)
Other works: c20 works lost or destroyed, incl. Balada, vc, pf, 1874, Vánoní [Christmas], sonata, ?1878, several canons for various combinations; Allegro grazioso, vc, pf, 1876, used in syms. in G and e;
Pf Trio, E, 1876, used in Sym. no.2, op.38;
several works transcr. for pf in Nálady, dojmy a upomínky, 1892–9
First wife and both children died, married one of her sisters, left 2nd wife for one of his pupils, died abruptly of kidney failure.
Quote from: Scion7 on August 09, 2014, 12:43:15 AM
"After Smetana and Dvorák he was the most prominent Czech composer of the second half of the 19th century..." - The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians
"Fibich was the third of the leading Czech composers of the last half of the nineteenth century, after Smetana and Dvorák." - AllMusic Classical Archives
Thanks
Scion7 for the additional information - I found a nice summary biography HERE (http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=11132) which included the two images shown below; Wiki Bio (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zdeněk_Fibich) is also a concise review of his life.
In addition, there is a thematic catalog of his works by Vladimír Hudec (Prague, 2001), hence the H. designation HERE (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_compositions_by_Zdeněk_Fibich) - if he had lived another 20 years? Dave :)
(http://image2.findagrave.com/photos/2007/327/11132_119596218509.jpg) (http://image2.findagrave.com/photos/2001/222/fibichzdenek.jpg)
Quote from: SonicMan46 on August 08, 2014, 01:02:41 PM
[...] I'd love to somehow obtain that MDG recording but just not available at a decent price.
The MDG album is available at Google Play Store (https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Ensemble_Villa_Musica_Fibich_Piano_Quartet_Op_11_P?id=Bun7twad64lfmeegwcc4662xlym) for $9.49. It seems MDG provides mp3 albums only at Google Play.
I only have the string quartets by Panocha Quartet that I like very much. Nice, pleasant music.
Quote from: torut on August 09, 2014, 08:40:04 AM
The MDG album is available at Google Play Store (https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Ensemble_Villa_Musica_Fibich_Piano_Quartet_Op_11_P?id=Bun7twad64lfmeegwcc4662xlym) for $9.49. It seems MDG provides mp3 albums only at Google Play.
I only have the string quartets by Panocha Quartet that I like very much. Nice, pleasant music.
Hello
Torut - thank you for that link; I've never used the
Google Play Store but will certainly take a look. Actually, I just did a MP3 DL from Amazon of the same works but on Supraphon w/ the Panocha Quartet (+ 2 others for the winds) - cover art below and attached PDF from a Fanfare review - just burned to CD-R and about to come up on my den stereo - expect to enjoy w/ that group - and just listened to the SQs CD myself which I also like. Dave :)
(http://giradman.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-k7Q3nNh/0/O/Fibich_Panocha.jpg)
Fibich TTT! Hard to believe that I made the last post here over 5 years ago - ??? Since that time I've acquired a few more CDs:
Fibich, Zdenek (1850-1900) - currently own the 8 recordings below (2 are MP3 CD-Rs) - Marek Stilec has conducted at least 4 discs for Naxos; a number of pianists have tackled his 'Moods, Impressions & Souvenirs', including Marián Lapsansky and Radoslav Kvapil - he was prolific in many genres for his 50 years and studied mainly outside his Bohemian homeland, so more Germanic influence that the Czech nationalism seen in Smetana and Dvorak (Source (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zden%C4%9Bk_Fibich)); long list of his compositions HERE (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_compositions_by_Zden%C4%9Bk_Fibich) - don't feel a need to explore his piano works unless a compilation appears - BUT comments, suggestions, etc. appreciated. Dave
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81ZhFMWCtkL._SL1429_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71oMItr7G4L._SL1077_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61fdBx2-a-L.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41N97EEGJ9L.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51bBxX028LL.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31Xim6%2BRebL.jpg) (https://d27t0qkxhe4r68.cloudfront.net/t_900/095115938126.jpg?1401982484) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81teEEo-XiL._SL1500_.jpg)
Quote from: SonicMan46 on February 14, 2020, 09:19:02 AM
Fibich TTT! Hard to believe that I made the last post here over 5 years ago - ??? Since that time I've acquired a few more CDs:
Fibich, Zdenek (1850-1900) - currently own the 8 recordings below (2 are MP3 CD-Rs) - Marek Stilec has conducted at least 4 discs for Naxos; a number of pianists have tackled his 'Moods, Impressions & Souvenirs', including Marián Lapsansky and Radoslav Kvapil - he was prolific in many genres for his 50 years and studied mainly outside his Bohemian homeland, so more Germanic influence that the Czech nationalism seen in Smetana and Dvorak (Source (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zden%C4%9Bk_Fibich)); long list of his compositions HERE (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_compositions_by_Zden%C4%9Bk_Fibich) - don't feel a need to explore his piano works unless a compilation appears - BUT comments, suggestions, etc. appreciated. Dave
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81ZhFMWCtkL._SL1429_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71oMItr7G4L._SL1077_.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61fdBx2-a-L.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41N97EEGJ9L.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51bBxX028LL.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31Xim6%2BRebL.jpg) (https://d27t0qkxhe4r68.cloudfront.net/t_900/095115938126.jpg?1401982484) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81teEEo-XiL._SL1500_.jpg)
Nice to see a thread on Fibich! 8)
I hadn't realized that he had written some symphonies, but am interested in listening them (perhaps try youtube or interlibrary loan?). The only recording (as far as I can recall) that I have of his is his first quartet. I have it on an excellent set of quartets by various Czech composers with the later iteration of the Talich Quartet on Calliope (not certain whether or not it is currently in print).
Nice to hear that you are enjoying your journey! :)
Best wishes,
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 14, 2020, 12:25:42 PM
Nice to see a thread on Fibich! 8)
I hadn't realized that he had written some symphonies, but am interested in listening them (perhaps try youtube or interlibrary loan?). The only recording (as far as I can recall) that I have of his is his first quartet. I have it on an excellent set of quartets by various Czech composers with the later iteration of the Talich Quartet on Calliope (not certain whether or not it is currently in print).
Nice to hear that you are enjoying your journey! :)
Hi
PD - thanks for the comments - I had forgotten how nice his piano music sounded when played well - have only 2 discs w/ some overlap; on Spotify, I saw that
Marian Lapsansky has recorded 12 volumes of
Fibich's music - WOW! And no 'box' is available that I can determine. There is also a
Violin Sonatas recording that has been well reviewed (both shown below). Dave
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-vkJHhdq/0/be11a31c/O/Screen%20Shot%202020-02-14%20at%205.02.38%20PM.png) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71KEKPkOt1L._SL1200_.jpg)
I've heard that the Supraphon recordings of the symphonies are the ones to get, but I think the Chandos recordings are up to the standards too. In addition, that CD of the string quartets is lovely. They have a rustic flavour I find enchanting.
Well, TTT after nearly two years! :laugh:
Yesterday, I was listening to my small (maybe 10 CDs)
Fibich collection - left a couple of quotes in the listening thread, the second one on his piano music quoted below. Of the 'collections', Marian Lapsansky recorded 12 volumes (some shown in the quote) and immediately below a Spotify playlist that I setup this morning w/ cover art of these rather alluring women - now he wrote these
Moods, Impressions, & Reminiscences in the 1890s during his love affair w/ a former student, Anežka Schulzová; supposedly these short pieces represent various aspects of this active and contemplative affair. SO, I was curious who the painter of these pictures might be - I don't recognize the style although similar ones certainly exist - does anyone who may own one or more of these physical discs have a booklet that indicates the artist? TIA - Dave :)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-24brwnw/0/40b2c550/XL/FibichV1-6-XL.png)
Quote from: SonicMan46 on September 02, 2021, 01:28:32 PM
Fibich, Zdenek (1850-1900) - Moods, Impressions & Souvenirs; Reminiscences & Paintings w/ William Howard & Radoslav Kvapil - these are miniature piano works (a few minutes or less) listed as Op. 41, 44, 47, 57 (click on bottom chart - Source (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_compositions_by_Zden%C4%9Bk_Fibich)) - there are a total of 376 pieces; the Howard recording contains just over 3 dozen from Op. 41; the Kvapil (a MP3 DL) is a mix, half of which are from Op. 41 w/ just 6 or so duplications. NOW, the middle row shows just 3 of 12 CDs recorded by Marian Lapsansky, so there is certainly a LOT more Fibich piano music available to hear; BTW, these latter recordings are available on Spotify (not sure that I want to make a playlist! :laugh:) - Dave
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41kIv3zIEdL._SX355_.jpg) (https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b273466f765f66e9e0060d1adb75)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51ATHr%2BiNqL.jpg) (https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/xtIAAOSwARxfbk-H/s-l300.jpg) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51%2BVyXmg-mL._SY355_.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Classical-Music/i-vGqmsZr/0/48066763/O/FibichPianoWorks.png)
Concerning the 'cover art' on the Lapsansky CDs, the other similar pics that came to mind were on several John McEwen SQ discs shown below; however, the artists for those paintings were William Bouguereau (19th century French) & Henrietta Rae (English late Victorian) - must have been a bunch of similar 'little known' painters around then or possibly a 20th century one imitating the style? Sorry, but my wonderful art history classes from my long past undergrad years at the U of Michigan return to haunt me on occasion - 8) Dave
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/913dkwmjHZL._SX355_.jpg) (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/519WSTmpiuL._SS500_.jpg)
Quote from: SonicMan46 on September 03, 2021, 08:48:26 AM
Concerning the 'cover art' on the Lapsansky CDs, the other similar pics that came to mind were on several John McEwen SQ discs shown below; however, the artists for those paintings were William Bouguereau (19th century French) & Henrietta Rae (English late Victorian) - must have been a bunch of similar 'little known' painters around then or possibly a 20th century one imitating the style? Sorry, but my wonderful art history classes from my long past undergrad years at the U of Michigan return to haunt me on occasion - 8) Dave
Dave,
Have you tried taking a screen shot of the images and then using them to do a google search? If not, you might do best trying to crop the images a bit so that you don't get the Chandos cover images coming up? Might not make a difference though.
PD
p.s. And
only 10? That sounds like a goodly amount of a lessor-known composer to me. ;)
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 03, 2021, 09:14:38 AM
Dave,
Have you tried taking a screen shot of the images and then using them to do a google search? If not, you might do best trying to crop the images a bit so that you don't get the Chandos cover images coming up? Might not make a difference though.
PD
p.s. And only 10? That sounds like a goodly amount of a lessor-known composer to me. ;)
Hi
PD - thanks, but already gave Google Images a try w/ a cropped image - came up w/ just one hit, i.e. the cover art from the CD - need someone w/ the booklet I guess who could find the answer? As to only 10 CDs,
Fibich was a good composer and one can only wonder what more of interest he might have composed if he had lived another 10-20 years or so? Dave :)
Quote from: SonicMan46 on September 03, 2021, 09:32:31 AM
Hi PD - thanks, but already gave Google Images a try w/ a cropped image - came up w/ just one hit, i.e. the cover art from the CD - need someone w/ the booklet I guess who could find the answer? As to only 10 CDs, Fibich was a good composer and one can only wonder what more of interest he might have composed if he had lived another 10-20 years or so? Dave :)
I was just teasing you as you guys seem to have a gazillion CDs with always more on the way! ;) And, yes, I do like what I've heard of his music. :) Would like to get more of it but am minding my budget.
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 03, 2021, 09:39:13 AM
I was just teasing you as you guys seem to have a gazillion CDs with always more on the way! ;) And, yes, I do like what I've heard of his music. :) Would like to get more of it but am minding my budget.
PD
+1
PD - well, not a lot more on Fibich looking over Amazon - Spotify seems more rewarding, especially w/ his piano music - may start on that playlist this afternoon? Dave :)
For those interested, this disc
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/d6oAAOSwM81eFHKx/s-l400.jpg)
is this month's FREE download (FLAC or 320 mp3) from Naxos.com. Worth signing up to their free monthly newsletters just to get these downloads. Not heard it yet but glad to add it to my library FOC......
Well, some activity last year - now going through my
Fibich collection of about 8 discs or so - own the two below on his piano works, single discs each w/ William Howard recording 40 pieces and Radoslav Kvapil 24 pieces - as quoted, in the 1890s, he composed nearly 400 short piano works most under the title of
Moods, Impressions, Reminiscences (like 376) as a kind of musical diary for his love of a piano student, 18 years his junior (her name was Anežka Schulzová, 1868-1905; photo below) - must of been a 'hot' romance from the description in the attached reviews; these are gathered into 4 Opus Numbers (41,44,47,57), along w/ Op. 56
Studies of Paintings; also attached is a comparison of the pieces on the two recordings; Howard records 40 works all from Op. 41, while Kvapil performs 24 from all of the Opus numbers - there are 8 duplications in the 64 total. Dave :)
Quote........and a large cycle (almost 400 pieces, from the 1890s) of piano works called Moods, Impressions, and Reminiscences. The piano cycle served as a diary of sorts of his love for a piano pupil, and one of the pieces formed the basis for the short instrumental work Poème, for which Fibich is best remembered today. (Source (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zden%C4%9Bk_Fibich))
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A formidable introduction to Fibich's orchestral music is the CD above. The Fall of Arkona Overture is playing now and I consider it to be a superb piece that could be a most tremendous concert opener if given the opportunity. The coruscating ending with the organ is quite thrilling. Recommended for any fans of this substantial composer.
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on May 15, 2022, 04:49:19 PM
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A formidable introduction to Fibich's orchestral music is the CD above. The Fall of Arkona Overture is playing now and I consider it to be a superb piece that could be a most tremendous concert opener if given the opportunity. The coruscating ending with the organ is quite thrilling. Recommended for any fans of this substantial composer.
Nice, I should check these works out! Are you familiar at all with his chamber output?
Quote from: kyjo on May 15, 2022, 06:41:05 PM
Nice, I should check these works out! Are you familiar at all with his chamber output?
His string quartets are the only chamber works I've listened to so far and they're good, especially the one in G major with its unmistakable rustic flavour.
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on May 15, 2022, 08:14:16 PM
His string quartets are the only chamber works I've listened to so far and they're good, especially the one in G major with its unmistakable rustic flavour.
Good to know, Cesar. Despite his relatively short life, he was quite prolific in most forms.