Slava! The Czech Phil and Bychkov glory in Dvořák and Janáček

By Roy Westbrook, 17 March 2022

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“blazoned forth by Czech trumpets and horns, the steely strings following with their urgent rhythm”

Reviewed at Barbican Hall, London on 16 March 2022

Dvořák, Symphony no. 8 in G major, Op.88

Janáček, Glagolitic Mass

Czech Philharmonic

Semyon Bychkov, Conductor

CBSO Chorus

Simon Halsey, Choirmaster / chorus director

Evelina Dobračeva, Soprano

Lucie Hilscherová, Mezzo-soprano

Aleš Briscein, Tenor

Jan Martiník, Bass

A heartfelt reunion with the Czech Philharmonic in Prague

Frank Kuznik, 19th March

A stellar soloist and deft work by Semyon Bychkov put a fresh spin on familiar fare in the Rudolfinum.

****1

Searing Kindertotenlieder from Fleur Barron and Czech Philharmonic

Gianmarco Segato, 18th February

Fleur Barron delivers a searing Kindertotenlieder in the Czech Philharmonic's mini-survey of the Germanic Romantic repertoire under Semyon Bychkov.

****1

Rockin’ at the Rudolfinum: the Czech Phil plays Bryce Dessner

Frank Kuznik, 5th February

American guitarist and composer Bryce Dessner brings a subdued palette to his debut appearance with the Czech Philharmonic.

****1

Modern mayhem from Thomas Adès and the Czech Philharmonic

Frank Kuznik, 5th December

The composer and conductor celebrates Pierre Boulez's 100th birthday in fine fashion with a smart program and fervent work from both sides of the podium.

*****

Chills and thrills from Pappano and the Czech Philharmonic

Frank Kuznik, 27th November

In expert hands, a terrifying 12-tone opera and a heroic piano concerto rattle the walls in Prague’s Rudolfinum.

*****

Spirited Velvet Revolution concert from Oramo and the Czech Phil

Frank Kuznik, 16th November

Conducted by Sakari Oramo, the Czech Philharmonic turn in a brilliant performance of Mahler's Resurrection Symphony that lights all the old revolutionary fires.

*****

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Roy Westbrook

Roy Westbrook gained a diploma in music history at London University (Morley College) and was for some years the head of music day schools at Oxford University, where he also led music summer schools. After some years leading the University's business school he has returned to music teaching and writing, and recently took part in the Arts in Residence courses on Bruckner, Mahler and Bach He is co-author (with Terry Barfoot) of a history of opera, and has taught day schools on Sibelius in Oxford and elsewhere.

Slava! The Czech Philharmonic and Semyon Bychkov glory in Dvořák and Janáček