Originally from the Czech Republic, Eduard NÃ¡pravnÃk is now inevitably associated with the rise of the Mariinsky Theater Orchestra of St. Petersburg, which he led for nearly half a century and elevated to a leading international orchestra. He thus left his mark on Russia's musical scene, both musically and in terms of cultural politics, and was also in demand as a composer. In view of this biography of NÃ¡pravnÃk, nothing could be more obvious than for him to use the most diverse instruments of the symphony orchestra as models when composing, to project their sonorities onto other instruments as well. His Piano Quartet op. 42 also has an orchestral layout. NÃ¡pravnÃk succeeds in capturing orchestral color and force even in the small instrumentation and unleashing it monumentally even in small chamber music halls. The Violin Sonata op. 52 is similarly conceived. Especially in the opening, NÃ¡pravnÃk's orchestrally influenced thinking is again evident, as the piano forms a pure surface as a starting point, over which the violin delicately rises - here NÃ¡pravnÃk uses burgeoning mock polyphony to create the impression of several melodic instruments. In the finale, NÃ¡pravnÃk brings together the aforementioned core elements of his style to create a large-scale, playfully striking movement with an orchestral texture and ironclad cohesion despite a wide variety of themes. A masterfully crafted yet effective sweep.

Tracklist:

Piano Quartet In A Minor, Op. 42: I. Allegro Con Spirito
Piano Quartet In A Minor, Op. 42: II. Scherzo. Presto
Piano Quartet In A Minor, Op. 42: III. Molto Moderato, Quasi "Marcia Funebre"
Piano Quartet In A Minor, Op. 42: IV. Allegro Risoluto
Violin Sonata In G Major, Op. 52: I. Andante Sostenuto - Allegro
Violin Sonata In G Major, Op. 52: II. Scherzo. Vivace
Violin Sonata In G Major, Op. 52: III. Andantino Doloroso
Violin Sonata In G Major, Op. 52: IV. Allegro Con Fuoco

UPC: 761203540525
Label: Cpo Records
Release Date: 10.21.22
Format: CD

Napravnik / Oliver Triendl / Karmon,Nina - Chamber Works (CD)