Josef Suk
(1874-1935)
A Summer Tale, Op. 29 (1907-09)
Fantastic Scherzo, Op. 25 (1903)
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra/Sir Charles Mackerras
Decca 466443-2 65:35
Suk was deeply affected by the deaths of his teacher, Dvořák, and of his wife, Otilie, Dvorák's daughter, in successive years, resulting firstly in his Asrael Symphony, a much darker work than he had written previously.
A Summer Tale, in five movements, is part drama, part serenity, and is especially notable for the lightly-scored third movement which features two cors anglais to excellent effect. The Fantastic Scherzo features a main theme that will stay with you.
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