Thu, 10. 1. 2019, 7.00 p.m.

A3 RHAPSODY FOR CELLO

Venue: Zlín Congress Centre  |  Organizer: Filharmonie Bohuslava Martinů, o.p.s.  | 

The 'Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune', the opening work in this subscription concert, is without doubt one of Claude Debussy's most celebrated works. Written in 1894 and based on the French Symbolist Stéphane Mallarmé's poem, it received unprecedented acclaim at its premiere. The main aim of the composer's musical narrative is to recreate ephemeral moments, fleeting perceptions and impressions, moods and nuances of colour.

The inspiration that Debussy's interpretational style represented for Ernest Bloch is documented in the existing correspondence between the two musicians and their numerous personal encounters. The fundamental influence in Bloch's music is his Jewish origins, whose characteristic Jewish intonations and rhythms are evident in many of his works, including his Schelomo Rhapsody for Cello and Orchestra, played tonight by cellist Petr Nouzovský and the Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic Orchestra.

Bohuslav Martinů, after whom the Zlín symphony orchestra is named, was a native of Polička who also drew inspiration from the music of Debussy. Among the composer's output are six symphonies, the fourth of which is considered by many as his most exuberant. Written towards the end of the Second World War, its liveliness can be seen as a reflection of Martinů's upbeat mindset after Germany's capitulation.

The Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic is conducted tonight by its Principal Guest Conductor Leoš Svárovský.