Music of Viktor Kalabis

Zuzana Růžičková (piano, harpsichord), Josef Suk (violin), Czech Philharmonic, Prague Chamber Soloists, Vlach Quartet, Suk Trio

The eleven Kalabis works included on this 3-disc release were originally recorded in analogue for the 33-1/3 rpm long-play format by the Czech recording firm of Supraphon. These eleven works were composed by Kalabis between the years 1952-1980 and were recorded by Supraphon in 1956-1984. Inasmuch as the communist control of Czechoslovakia began in 1948 and the “velvet revolution” occurred in 1989, all of the music on this release was composed and recorded under communist rule. Fortunately, even under that repressive regime the audio technicians at Supraphon were excellent, and in this digital reissue we can enjoy the clear, spacious sound for which Supraphon was admired.

(Text: MSR Classics)

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Reviews

Lehman, American Record Guide

“The performances—most if not all recorded premieres—are authoritative.”

Peter Joelson, Audiophile Audition

“…it is this fine new set from MSR, a limited authorized edition, and at rather less than full price, which serves as an excellent overview of Kalabis the composer. Supported by the Viktor Kalabis and Suzana Růžičková Foundation and Supraphon, this set restores to circulation a core of this vital composer’s work. It deserves to be sold out soon!”

Rob Barnett, Musicweb International

“…the recordings are allowing for age in good heart and even the oldest (Concerto and Quintet) sound clear, detailed and vivid… This admirable boxed set is further distinguished by a wonderful 1960 photo of Růžičková and Kalabis in the shadow of Prague Castle. The smiling portrait of the couple in their sixties can be found on the back page… This set is marked as a ‘limited authorised edition’ so do run it to ground before it disappears.”

Arsenio Orteza, World Magazine

“For most Westerners, simply discovering the existence of the music of the late Czech composer Viktor Kalabis, who toiled for most of his long life behind the Iron Curtain, will be reason enough to revel in this three-disc, “limited authorized edition” reissue of recordings heretofore available only as hard-to-acquire imports on the Prague label Supraphon. His range was breathtaking (piano concertos, symphonies, ballet music, string quartets). But, on this evidence anyway, it’s the “Canonic Inventions for Harpsichord,” featuring the playing of his wife, that brought out his best.”