Klavrn kvartety a kvintety, Smycov kvintety a Sextet – 4CD

This collection presents music for harp by composers of the second half of the 20th century, discovered and performed by the distinguished harpist Kateina Englichov. She has premiered many of these works, while others were dedicated to her by their composers. Rather than treating the harp as a delicate instrument limited to romantic virtuosity, composers including Slavick, Hurnk and Kabel present it as dynamic, assertive and expressive, inviting further exploration. Their inspiration includes the form of the French suite in Slukas work, catchy Mozart themes in Hurnks music and the colourful possibilities of flute and harp in Kabels compositions. The programme reveals how much innovative and beautiful harp music was created in the Czech lands alongside Brittens Suite. Englichov is joined in two works by the American flautist Carol Wincenc, a highly regarded professor at the Juilliard School, and in Gemrots trio by oboist Vilm Veverka and pianist Martin Kask. This music offers listeners willing to explore the unfamiliar a chance to discover previously unknown beauty.