Mysterium asu – CD

This CD presents music by Miloslav Kabel, one of the greatest Czech symphonists of the 20th century: Mystery of Time, a passacaglia for large orchestra; Hamletian Improvisation; Reflections, nine miniatures for large orchestra; and Metamorphoses II of the chorale Lord, Have Mercy on Us for piano and orchestra. The Symphonic Orchestra of Czech Radio performs under conductor Marko Ivanovi, with pianist Miroslav Sekera in Metamorphoses II. Kabels life and work emphasize resistance to evil and devotion to humanist ideals, principles he upheld during both the Nazi occupation and the Communist dictatorship. During the harshest years of totalitarian rule, he turned his fascinated gaze towards the stars. Mystery of Time, an undervalued gem of 20th-century European symphonic music, expresses emotional wonder at the workings of the universe and the firm order that governs everything. The liberalization of the 1960s brought Kabel international recognition and inspired further important works, while after the Soviet invasion in August 1968 the Communist regime again tried to silence his freely thinking music at home and abroad. Kabel completed Metamorphoses II, inspired by the oldest Czech sacred song Lord, Have Mercy on Us, just weeks before his death. The album follows Supraphons successful 2016 complete edition of Kabels symphonies and adds further jewels to the portrait of this remarkable symphonist.