Debussy – Strauss – Novák (O)

The three compositions chosen for their February concert by the main visiting conductor of radio symphonists Robert Jindra are iconic works of its creators. Preludium to Faun's afternoon Claud Debussy became the most typical example of musical impressionism beside his sea. His special mood is based on the poem symbolist of Stéphan Mallarmé showing a hot summer afternoon, in which the demigod Faun, a mythical being, rest on the sea shore, whistles at the flute and remembers his love. The last four songs Richard Strauss, with the exception of the first, are dealing with the topic of death. They radiate rare peace, reconciliation and serenity, and are a test of generations and personal confession. Beautiful vocal line often supports the sound of the Forest Horn. It was as if it was hidden to look back at life, a certain symbolism - the composer's wife Pauline de Ahna was an important soprano and his father was a professional horns. Strauss, author of great symphonic poems and operas, symbolically said goodbye to the world in 1948. He wrote the songs in Switzerland, where he had to resort after the fall of Germany. He could only return home to Garmisch-Partenkirchen Bavarian until another year, just a few months before his death. Vítězslav Novák was his contemporary, in the symphonic poem in the Tatras he met Strauss's Alpine Symphony, but he was also a significant inspiration from the folklore from the Moravian-Slovak border. So it is no wonder that his most played and typical work is Slovácká suite.

: preludium to Faun's afternoon

Richard Strauss: The last four songs >

The public rehearsal will take place on February 10, 2025 from 10:00.