Beethoven. Dvořák. Mendelssohn. Vranický

The Czech musical tradition is often associated with the 19th century – with the Czech National Revival and the works of Smetana and Dvořák. However, Czech music, or more precisely the music by Czech composers, comprises a high number of remarkable compositions dating from the Baroque and Classical periods.

In addition to Jan Dismas Zelenka, Josef Mysliveček and Jakub Jan Ryba, we can mention Pavel Vranický (aka Paul Wranitzky), a Moravian composer who became famous in Vienna. This contemporary of Mozart was friends with the greatest musicians of his time in the capital city of the Empire of Austria, and conducted prominent performances such as the premiere of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1.

This means that he was at the birth of one of the greatest symphonists who is represented at this subscription concert somewhat paradoxically by the overture to his only opera Fidelio. The composition by Vranický to be heard tonight is the breathtaking Symphony in D minor “La Tempesta” (The Tempest), which in keeping with the trends of the time provides a very realistic rendition of the whirlwind.

The rest of the evening will be filled with more intimate compositions. Dvořák’s Serenade for Winds was inspired by Mozart’s famous Gran Partita. However, Dvořák has enriched his serenade with two string instruments and the idioms that confirm its “Czech” character. Mendelssohn’s String Symphony No. 10 belongs to a series of purely string works that preceded his symphonies for large orchestra.

The conductor is Jiří Habart, an up-and-coming member of the youngest generation of Czech conductors.