Josef Bohuslav Foerster was the successor to Dvořák as organist in Prague, a lifelong friend of Mahler, and a pivotal figure in Czech music, whose almost 200 compositions take in all the major genres. The three selected works here offer an overview of his orchestral music. Recalling several equally majestic pieces by Smetana, the arresting Festive Overture combines Czech flair with Viennese elegance, while From Shakespeare explores characterisation with warmth and resourceful orchestration. The early Symphony no.1 in D minor offers a darkness-to-light trajectory suffused with rich mid-Romantic colours.

Marek Štilec is a specialist Czech conductor for Naxos and has recently begun a Vítězslav Novák series with the Moravian Philharmonic – South Bohemian Suite / Toman and the Wood Nymph are on 8574226, a multiple award-winning disc: ‘It’s juicy stuff, succulently performed here by Marek Štilec and the Moravian Philharmonic’ (ClassicsToday.com).

Štilec and the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra have recorded Fibich’s Symphony no.3 (Orchestral Works Vol.5) on 8574120. American Record Guide wrote, ‘The performances are lively, with expressive vigour and strong rhythmic cohesion. Marek Štilec’s conducting for Naxos’ whole Fibich series has been excellent.’