Now This is More Like It!

 

After remaining undecided over Naxos' set of Fibich, this recording washes over the listener like a fresh spring rain.

Metaphors aside, the secure handling by the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, here under the direction of František Vajnar, is simply delightful.

The tone poem Spring and At Twilight are nature-filled works, and I appreciate the fuller, woodsy sound this ensemble makes. The Night at Karlstein is full of horn calls, and here they are integrated with the orchestra, whereas Naxos brings them forward, so I kind of like the latter approach for thrills. This is a beautiful account, though.

The oddity here is the 15-minute cantata, Romance of Spring, for chorus and two vocal soloists. Karel Šejna also made a recording of this work on Supraphon, but it was recorded in mono, so this remains the ideal version for me.

The first half is focused on the chorus, and this portion is a tad four-square, especially for a composition named the Romance of Spring. It sounds like Fibich is merely going through the motions of getting through the text. Once the soloists enter, however, things get much more interesting. Add to it all, a strong melodic device which is carried throughout, the work ends up being quite satisfying.

Of course, it is always great to hear a rare cantata from a minor Czech master, elevated by having a very fine Czech chorus on hand. The soloists NaĎa Šormová and Karel Průša are obviously of the Slavic variety, with a heavier tone, but not unduly so, and their vocal qualities are generally more controlled than what I expected.

If you enjoy Romantic Era, woodsy-type symphonic poems, this recording of three symphonic poems and a cantata should please. It sets nicely alongside a sister recording of another quartet of Fibich tone poems under Vladimír Válek, also on Supraphon and with this same orchestra. Together, it is a powerhouse duo of Fibich's orchestral music.

Listen on YouTube

Works
Spring (14.02)
Romance of Spring (15.02)
At Twilight (16.08)
Night at Karlstein (9.53)

Performers
Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
František Vajnar, conductor

Label: Supraphon
Year: 1983 / 1995
Total Timing: 55.23

I might still be undecided regarding Fibich's symphonic poems, but I like these performances enough to regard it highly.

Add it to the other Supraphon recording with Válek, and you have a powerhouse duo!

Find more Fibich recordings HERE!