When talking about the well-known composers from Central European countries, such as Dvorak and Janacek, there is always a strong emphasis on the national elements that they incorporated into their music. Apparently this is a very successful formula, because the composers from this region, who did not care about such matters, are still much less known than their music justifies. This is evident from
… the two works on this CD by the Czech composer Joseph Bohuslav Foerster (1859-1951). The most extensive is the "Suite 'Cyrano de Bergerac' op.55", written in 1904 after the play of the same name by Edmond Rostand. Foerster's five-part piece follows the various stages of the hero's tragic life, who dies from his unrequited love - the real Cyrano died because a large block of wood fell on his head, which can also be depicted in music, but that is less romantic. Foerster was clearly inspired by the symphonic poems of Richard Strauss for the composition of this work. In addition, both in terms of idiom and form, the "Violin Concerto No. 1 Op.88" is based more on Brahms, with Andrea Duka Löwenstein as soloist, accompanied by the Radio Symphonieorchester Wien. The Suite is played by the Czech Philharmonie. Gerd Albrecht is the conductor both times. (JvG) _ Foerster was clearly inspired by the symphonic poems of Richard Strauss for the composition of this work. In addition, both in terms of idiom and form, the "Violin Concerto No. 1 Op.88" is based more on Brahms, with Andrea Duka Löwenstein as soloist, accompanied by the Radio Symphonieorchester Wien. The Suite is played by the Czech Philharmonie. Gerd Albrecht is the conductor both times. (JvG) _ Foerster was clearly inspired by the symphonic poems of Richard Strauss for the composition of this work. In addition, both in terms of idiom and form, the "Violin Concerto No. 1 Op.88" is based more on Brahms, with Andrea Duka Löwenstein as soloist, accompanied by the Radio Symphonieorchester Wien. The Suite is played by the Czech Philharmonie. Gerd Albrecht is the conductor both times. (JvG) _more
