From the stunning Rudolfinum in Prague: the Czech Philharmonic conducted by its chief conductor Jirí Belohlávek performing Dvorák´s symphonies: Symphony No. 5 in F major, Op. 76 (46´- A985500040005) . Complete cycle of all 9 symphonies also available, see A985500040001-9.
Dvorak – Symphony No. 6 in D
From the stunning Rudolfinum in Prague: the Czech Philharmonic conducted by its chief conductor Jirí Belohlávek performing Dvorák´s symphonies: Symphony No. 6 in D major, Op. 60 (46´- A985500040006) . Complete cycle of all 9 symphonies also available, see A985500040001-9.
Dvorak – Symphony No 7 in D minor
From the stunning Rudolfinum in Prague: the Czech Philharmonic conducted by its chief conductor Jirí Belohlávek performing Dvorák´s symphonies: Symphony No. 7 in D minor, Op. 70 (42´- A985500040007). Complete cycle of all 9 symphonies also available, see A985500040001-9.
Dvorak – Symphony No 8 in G “English”
From the stunning Rudolfinum in Prague: the Czech Philharmonic conducted by its chief conductor Jirí Belohlávek performing Dvorák´s symphonies: Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88 (41´- A985500040008). Complete cycle of all 9 symphonies also available, see A985500040001-9.
Dvorak – Symphony No 9 in E minor “From the New World”
From the stunning Rudolfinum in Prague: the Czech Philharmonic conducted by its chief conductor Jirí Belohlávek performing Dvorák´s symphonies: Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 “From the New World” (47´- A985500040009). Complete cycle of all 9 symphonies also available, see A985500040001-9.
Pretty Yende in Prague
Young South-African soprano Pretty Yende first came to international attention in 2010 when she was the first artist in the history of the Belvedere Competition to win First Prize in every category. In this concert at the stunning Smetana Hall in Prague she is performing works by Meyerbeer, Donizetti, Arditi, Mozart, Bellini, Delibes Suppé and Bernstein.
Busch Trio – Antonín Dvorák‘s complete chamber works for piano and strings
Named after the legendary violinist Adolf Busch, this young piano trio has received enthusiastic responses from audiences and critics across Europe. Winners of the 2012 Royal Overseas League Competition and further prizes in international competitions in Italy and Germany, the Trio performs regularly in some of Europe’s leading venues and festivals. They have been recognized for their achievements and playing of “incredible verve” with their recent Wigmore Hall appearance described in The Times as “most impressive was the group’s effortless musicianship and unity of thought and attack. The threesome even seemed to be breathing in synch.”
Beethoven – The 5 Cello Sonatas
Performing Beethoven’s entire work for cello and piano in a single concert is a special experience: It is a journey through a lifetime, a journey into the depths of the German composer’s soul. The sonatas represent all three of Beethoven’s major creative periods. Cellist Gary Hoffman, Master in Residence at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel, Waterloo, together with pianist David Selig dedicate an evening to the complete sonatas for cello and piano by Ludwig van Beethoven. The audience discovers the composer’s development in his desire to master the writing for the cello, but also, more generally, the evolution of his musical aesthetics. Beethoven’s cello sonatas have more strength, intensity and variety of expression than any previously written sonatas. He has succeeded in elevating instrumental music to the highest level of art, which the two artists of this special evening impressively demonstrate.
Má vlast
Is there any more evocative piece of national music than “Ma Vlast” or “My Country”? Smetana’s six orchestral poems – the most famous of which is “Vltava” with its instantly recognizable melody and evocation of this great river – tell of Bohemia’s lands and legends. It is performed here by the orchestra so strongly associated with Czech identity and an institution that continues to represent Czech culture on the international stage.
Prague Spring Opening Concert: Petrenko conducts Smetana
What better occasion for chief conductor Kirill Petrenko to give his Czech debut than to open the Prague Spring Festival with the festival’s signature work? The Berliner hilharmoniker perform Smetana’s Má vlast on the 140th anniversary of the composer’s death in the magnificent Smetana Hall. The combination of one of the best orchestras in the world with their chief conductor and the masterpiece of the Czech “national composer” is an exceptional experience: “The depth of understanding Petrenko showed, the crisp
performance of the players…conferred a new level of prestige and fitting anniversary honors on the Czech Republic’s most beloved composer” (Bachtrack).