Orchestral works, Vol. I.
RECORDING OF THE YEAR
Zdenĕk Fibich’s career overlapped those of his countrymen Smetana and Dvořák, but his music remained poised between the twin poles of Czech nationalism and the New German School. His earliest surviving symphony is No 1 in F major, Op 17, completed in Prague in 1883. Whilst it is the most conventional of his three symphonies it is excellently proportioned and reveals the influence of Schumann on his developing art. Impressions from the Countryside, Op 54 is, in effect, a symphonic suite and was highly influential on the younger generation of Czech composers.
Rob Maynard: "An idiomatic performance from a “local” and accomplished orchestra, skilful conducting and first rate recording make this disc a real treat. If the rest of a promised Naxos series maintains this standard, Fibich’s reputation will justifiably deserve reappraisal." © MusicWeb International
