Josef Bohuslav Foerster - Violin Concertos (Ivan Ženatý)

Information

Composer: Josef Bohuslav Foerster

• Violin Concerto No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 88
• Violin Concerto No. 2 in D Minor, Op. 104

Ivan Ženatý, violin

BBC Symphony Orchestra

Jiří Bělohlávek, conductor

Date: 2008

Label: Supraphon

-----------------------------------------------------------

Review

Little of the large output of Josef Bohuslav Foerster (1859-1951) is widely known, yet, as this finely played, splendidly recorded disc demonstrates, he's an enthralling composer. His chromatic, highly expressive harmonic style and sophisticated orchestral writing place him firmly in the company of late Romantics such as Strauss, Elgar and his friend Mahler, but his music, with its clearly defined phrases and lyrical tone, retains a distinctively Czech character. Sometimes the resemblance to his nationalist forebears is clear: the opening of the First Concerto recalls Smetana in passionate mood, and the Andante middle movement of No 2 evokes a Dvorak-like pastoral atmosphere. Foerster differs, however, in the way he indulges his lyrical gift; in place of the positive rhythmic drive characteristic of both Dvorak and Smetana his tendency is to allow energy to subside into dreamy reverie: often extremely beautiful, but, especially in the long first movement of the First Concerto, weakening the overall impact.

However, Foerster shows real originality. The First Concerto's third movement, a graceful, sensuous waltz with playful, decorative writing for the soloist, is unlike any other violin concerto finale I can think of. Op 104 is a more introspective work, with an unusual but satisfying form. After three or four minutes of what promises to be a mercurial finale, we're suddenly recalled to the sombre surroundings of the first movement, to hear a complete recapitulation, which Foerster had earlier omitted. Ivan Zenaty plays with lovely tone and wide expressive range, contributing his own idiomatic cadenza to Op 88. The BBC SO under Belohlavek matches his warmth and conviction.

— Richard Osborne

-----------------------------------------------------------

Josef Bohuslav Foerster (30 December 1859 – 29 May 1951) was a Czech composer educated at the Prague Conservatory, where he later became a professor and director. He served as an organist and music critic in Prague, Hamburg, and Vienna. From 1893 to 1903, he lived in Hamburg, befriending Gustav Mahler and teaching at the conservatory. Foerster composed primarily for chorus and solo voice, often using religious texts. His works include five symphonies and operas such as Nepřemoženi, Srdce, and Bloud. While influenced by Mahler's Romanticism, his lyrical style reflects the legacy of Dvořák and Smetana.

***

Ivan Ženatý (born 2 February 1962) is a Czech violinist whose artistry was shaped by his studies under Igor Bezrodny at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory. He also inherited the Czech musical tradition through his mentor Josef Suk. His international career began with prizes at the Tchaikovsky International Violin Competition and the Prague Spring Competition. Ženatý has performed over 50 violin concertos with leading orchestras worldwide and is active in solo and chamber music. He has recorded more than 40 CDs and has taught at major institutions, currently serving on the faculty at the Hochschule für Musik in Dresden.

-----------------------------------------------------------