To mark the 90th anniversary of the birth of Viktor Kalabis, one of the most distinguished 20th-century Czech composers, Supraphon is releasing this special selection of his symphonies and concertos. The life of Kalabis and his wife, the renowned harpsichordist Zuzana Růžičková, was first afflicted by war and subsequently by the straitjacket of the Communist regime. The two forms of lack of freedom would have a marked impact on Kalabis’s work.

His Sinfonia pacis, one of the most frequently performed contemporary Czech pieces abroad, reflects the escalating tensions of the Cold War, without the composer succumbing to the clichés of the Communist “peace” proclamations. In connection with Symphony No.3 (1970-71), its creator talked about the anxiety prevailing during the post-occupation years, defiance, as well as the final resignation beneath the unceasing suppression of truth.

Kalabis’s works duly enjoyed the attention of renowned orchestras, conductors and soloists (the Berliner Philharmoniker, Matačić, Casadesus, Blomstedt, Rilling, Ančerl, etc.).

This new selection of recordings bears witness to a superlative composer, as well as the dark atmosphere of the time during which this music came to life. Viktor Kalabis’s symphonies and concertos – the legacy of a distinct composer and a fraught era.

Contents:
CD 1
Symphony no.2 for Large Orchestra, op.18 'Sinfonia pacis'
1. I. Andante moderato
2. II. Allegro molto e drammatico
3. III. Andante, molto quieto (attacca)
4. IV. Allegro comodo e giocoso
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra / Zdenìk Košler

Concerto no.1 for Violin and Orchestra, op.17
5. I. Maestoso. Andante
6. II. Andante angoscioso. Quasi adagio
7. III. Allegro vivace
Petr Škvor (violin)
Prague Symphony Orchestra / Viktor Kalabis

8. Symphonic Variations for Large Orchestra, op.24
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra / Václav Neumann

CD 2
Concerto for Large Orchestra (Concerto per grande orchestra), op.25
1. I. Allegro
2. II. Adagio
3. III. Allegro assai
4. IV. Allegro vivo
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra / Ladislav Slovák

Symphony no.3 for Large Orchestra, op.33
5. I. Molto moderato
6. II. Allegro molto drammatico
7. III. Adagio molto e quieto
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra / Jiøí Bìlohlávek

Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra “Le tambour de villevieille”, op.36
8. I. Allegretto moderato
9. II. Andante – Vivo – Andante – Allegro vivo
Miroslav Kejmar (trumpet)
Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra / Miloš Konvalinka

CD 3
Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings, op.42
1. I. Allegro leggiero
2. II. Andante
3. III. Allegro vivo
Zuzana Růžičková (harpsichord)
Prague Chamber Orchestra / Viktor Kalabis

4. Concerto no.2 for Violin and Orchestra, op.49
Josef Suk (violin)
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra / Wolfgang Sawallisch

5. Concerto for Piano and Wind Instruments, op.64
Allegro vivo – Andante – Poco vivo
Milan Langer (piano)
Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra / Tomáš Koutník

6. Concertino for Bassoon and Wind Instruments, op.61
Jiøí Formáèek (bassoon)
Czech Philharmonic Wind Ensemble / Miloš Formáèek