Czech Philharmonic 02
The world-renowned mezzo soprano Bernarda Fink, celebrated for her exquisite voice and her powerful performances sings the moving Biblical Songs by Dvořák, contemplative essays in peace and touching sincerity.
Before them, the orchestra performs George Szell's colourful orchestra arrangement of Smetana's First String Quartet, in which the composer looks back with searing honesty on his life's achievements.
The orchestra's Festival residency concludes with Janáček's spectacular Sinfonietta. Dedicated to the Czechoslovakian armed forces, the piece celebrates mankind's courage in music of enormous power and lyricism – with a huge orchestra that includes a gleaming gathering of 25 brass players.
the orchestra glowed in vivid hues, with golden strings... radiant horns and deliciously acidic woodwind.
The Scotsman