Jan Hanus: Chamber Works; Viktor Kalabis: Sym. No. 5

KHCD-2013-026FL (STEREO) - Jan Hanuš: Little Suite  (Mala Suita) for Nine Instruments - Soloists of the Prague Chamber Orchestra; Sonata Seria for Violin and Percussion; Sonata Variata for Clarinet and Piano; Two Movements for Timpani and Tape - Victor Kalabis: Symphony No. 5 "Fragment", Op. 43 - Czech Philharmonic/Vaclav Neumann - Jan Hanuš (1915-2004) was a prolific 20th century Czech composer, writing compositions in almost every musical category. Many works are overtly political, expressing in turn anti-Nazi, anti-Fascist, and anti-Communist sentiments. The Little Suite, composed in 1973, is an easy, optimistic work for chamber orchestra using a combination of winds and strings in a dance suite style recalling the early 19th century. The Sonata Variata for clarinet and piano is based on a theme by pedagogue Jan Amos Comenius (1592-1670), adorning it with 20th expression, but not disturbing the archaic atmosphere of the original tune. The Sonata Seria for solo violin and percussion was composed in 1974, conveying new possibilities in sound combinations for two vastly different instruments. The Concertino for solo Timpani and Tape, composed in 1971, was created for solo timpani players in which the taped accompaniment would be derived from the artist's own instrument, effectively using timpano elements to create "musique concrete". Viktor Kalabis (1923-2006) was a 20th century Czech composer who composed in most all musical forms, being best known for his symphonic and chamber works. The Symphony No. 5 was composed in 1976, and exhibits elements of Stravinsky, Hindemith, Honegger, Bartók, and Martinu. Thanks goes to John Proffitt for lending the Serenus and Panton LPs from his personal collection used in this production. Download includes cover, tray, and CD artwork.