The Many Pupils of Antonn Dvok – 3 CD

This three-CD set presents a varied selection of famous and lesser-known works by the talented composers who studied under Antonn Dvok at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Dvoks master class at the conservatory gave rise to an influential Dvok School that became a lasting part of Czech musical life. The greatest space is devoted to Josef Suk, whose work is the most personal and substantial among Dvoks pupils. One CD focuses on lesser-known students, including the gifted melodist Oskar Nedbal, who became famous for his operettas, Julius Fuk, known for his witty marches, legendary violinist Jaroslav Kocian, who composed for his instrument, and the patriotic legionnaire Rudolf Karel. It also introduces almost forgotten composers such as Adolf Piskek, Vojtch Kuchynka and Arnot Praus. The third CD is dedicated to the underappreciated mastery of Vtzslav Novk and his distinctive modernism, which nevertheless develops interestingly from Dvoks style. The compilation features leading performers including violinist Josef Suk, pianist Ivan Moravec and conductors Vclav Talich, Karel ejna and Libor Peek, as well as Igor Ardaev, Jan Panenka, Emil Leichner, Josef Vlach, Josef Veselka, Karel roubek, Vclav Sntil, Richard Novk, Beno Blachut, Ivan Kusnjer and many others. The selection and the insightful booklet text are by English music writer Patrick Lambert, a major expert on Czech music and the Supraphon archive.