Vítezslav Novák, a composition student of Dvorák, rose to prominence with a series of increasingly ambitious orchestral works that reflect his very personal amalgam of folk music elements, impressionism and late Romanticism. The far-ranging harmonies heard in Toman and the Wood Nymph earned Novák some notoriety – his evocation of supernatural magic and human passion results in music of heady intensity. The evocative aura of the later South Bohemian Suite is notable for the subtlety with which folk songs are embedded into its textures.
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Reviews
Critics’ Choice 2021 – Don O’Connor
American Record Guide – January/February 2022
“… this disc earns a strong recommendation…”
James A Altena – Fanfare – July/August 2021
"... I can't imagine better performances that we encounter here from Marek Stilec. The Moravian Philharmonic musicians play beautifully, and the soundstage Naxos supplies could scarcely be improved upon for atmosphere. This is a genuinely seductive release."
Steven Kruger - Fanfare - May/June 2021
"... Performances of both works are full-blooded, totally sympathetic to Novak's style. Stilec's conducting shows a firm grasp of the beauties of this still underrated master."
Don O’Connor – American Record Guide – March/April 2021
“… The Toman and the Wood Nymph is a particular treat.” ****
Jeremy Pound – BBC Music magazine (Brief notes) – February 2021
"... Very fine performances that make one look forward to the next volume."
Gary Higginson – MusicWeb-International.com – 21 December 2020
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