James Judd conducts Fibich, Suchoň, and Janáček — With Jan Vacík

Music of the former Czechoslovakia takes center stage in this concert from the Prague Spring Festival in 2018, recorded at the superb Smetana Hall! Under the baton of renowned conductor James Judd, the Slovak Philharmonic opens the program in style with Czech composer Zdeněk Fibich's Comenius, a grandiose "festival overture" perfect to ring in a concert of epic proportions.

Next, tenor Jan Vacík and the Slovak Philharmonic Choir (headed by Jozef Chabroň) join the orchestra to interpret Slovak composer Eugen Suchoň's Psalm of the Carpathian Lands: mysterious and captivating, a perfect showcase for choir, orchestra, and soloist to demonstrate both power and subtlety. Finally, the orchestra turns to Janáček's Sinfonietta, composed in 1926 and dedicated to the Czech army. While the first movement feels more militaristic (the brass section can't help but remind us of the work's genesis!), the rest are lighter, inspired by Czech folk music. This splendid homage to lesser-heard composers celebrates the spirit and character of the people of the Czech Republic and Slovakia!