BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Singers, Jiří Bělohlávek – Smetana: The Bartered Bride (2012)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/48 kHz | Time – 02:16:16 minutes | 1,37 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | ©
A classic! And yet Smetana was thoroughly irritated by the torrents of praise lavished, in the last years of his life, on this Bartered Bride which had been categorically rejected at its premiere (1866) by a Czech public waiting to hear the genuine national opera. Four versions of the work later, and after many critical complaints (sometimes it was found too long, sometimes too short), it was realised that the composer had given birth to a genre built to last. For nearly 150 years now, The Bartered Bride has triumphed in opera houses all over the world; and in the present recording it is in the hands of a true team of experts.
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New London Chamber Choir, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Jiri Belohlavek – Suk: The Ripening & Symphony No. 1 (2010/2022)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 01:18:31 minutes | 1,42 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Digital Booklet, Front Cover | © Chandos
The Czech maestro Jirí Belohlávek performs works by his countryman Josef Suk, conducting the BBC Symphony Orchestra, with whom he is their Chief Conductor.
As a composer, Josef Suk followed in the tradition of Smetana and Dvorák, the latter of whom was not only his professor at the Prague Conservatory, but also became his father-in-law – Suk married Dvorák’s oldest surviving daughter, Otilie, in 1898, and the death of Dvorák in 1904 and ‘Otilka’ a year later resulted in the composition of one of the composer’s most powerful and deeply felt works, the Asrael Symphony – also recorded by Belohlávek (CHAN 9640).
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Jirí Belohlávek, Czech Philharmonic – Janáček: Glagolitic Mass; Taras Bulba; Sinfonietta; The Fiddler’s Child (2018)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 01:40:15 minutes | 1,78 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Decca Music Group Ltd.
Jiří Bělohlávek and the Czech Philharmonic present Leoš Janáček’s most notable works.
This release continues the series of Jiří Bělohlávek’s last recordings of Czech masterworks for Decca Classics before he sadly passed away last year.
August 2018 marks 90 years since Janáček’s death in 1928. This album commemorates the great Czech composer with these informed recordings by the Czech conductor and orchestra.
This album features ‘The Fiddler’s Child’ – a new addition to the Decca catalogue.
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BBC Symphony Orchestra, Jiri Belohlavek – Josef Suk: Prague – A Summer’s Tale (2012)
SACD ISO (2.0/MCH): 3,83 GB | 24B/88,2kHz Stereo FLAC: 1,23 GB | Full Artwork: 106 MB
Label/Cat#: Chandos # CHSA 5109 | Country/Year: UK 2012 | 3% Recovery Info
Genre: Classical | Style: Late Romantic, Early 20th Century
In my review of the excellent Chandos disc of Josef Suk’s orchestral music Suk: Ripening, Symphony in E major – Belohlavek in September 2010 I expressed the hope that there would be a follow-up disc – well here it is. Once again the performers are the BBC Symphony Orchestra under Jiri Belohlavek – now at the end of his tenure as the orchestra’s chief conductor – and like the earlier release this new one has been recorded in the spacious acoustic of Watford Colosseum in January this year by the capable team of Brian Pidgeon (producer) and Ralph Couzens (sound engineer).
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Czech Philharmonic & Jiri Belohlavek, Garrick Ohlsson, Alisa Weilerstein, Frank Peter Zimmermann – Dvorák: Complete Symphonies & Concertos (2014)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 08:04:19 minutes | 8,62 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Decca Music Group Ltd.
A new Dvorák symphony and concerto cycle from the multi-Gramophone-Award-winning conductor and the great Prague-based orchestra. It marks a triumphant return to the orchestra where he trained, the world leading and multi-Gramophone Award-winning maestro Jirí Bìlohlávek records Decca’s first Dvorák cycle since the 1960s. This complete symphonies and concertos set is a pinnacle of brilliant music-making, and the first major cycle to be recorded in high-definition 24bit 96kHz and Mastered for iTunes sound.
Dvorák himself conducted the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra’s first concert in 1896, and the shared Bohemian heritage of composer, conductor and orchestra lends a very special authenticity to these recordings.
Dvorák’s three concertos (violin, cello and piano) feature alongside his nine great Symphonies, with Decca’s leading cellist Alisa Weilerstein, Frank Peter Zimmermann (violin) and Garrick Ohlsson (piano). The Czech PO and Belohlávek will be undertaking major European tours in 2014, including a full Dvorák symphonic cycle in Prague in September. Rhombus Films have also made a fascinating documentary focusing on Belohlávek’s return to Prague as the Czech Philharmonic’s chief conductor.
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Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Jiří Bělohlávek – Dvořák: Slavonic Dances Opp. 46 & 72 (2016)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 01:15:33 minutes | 1,40 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Decca Music Group Ltd.
Maestro Belohlavek and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra return to Decca with the unforgettable Slavonic Dances from one of the most melodious, harmonious and evocative late 19th Century composers – Dvorak. Decca’s acclaimed 2014 Complete Dvorak Concertos and Symphonies release was named as one of the Top Recordings of 2014 by the New York Times: “…the set as a whole stands as eloquent testimony to this eminent orchestra’s triumphant return to international prominence…” James R. Oestreich, New York Times. Performed and recorded by musicians who have an innate understanding and deep-rooted love for this music of their homeland, this is a first-rate recording, bringing great passion and lyricism to Dvorak’s spellbinding Slavonic Dances. There is no more authentic team today to play these works: the leading Czech orchestra with the leading Czech conductor, recording in the fine acoustic of the famous Rudolfinum in Prague. In two sets, the Op.46 Slavonic Dances were such a success on release (in the late 1800’s) that Dvorak’s publisher immediately commissioned a further set (to become the Op.72) – which inspired an equally enthusiastic reception. Lively and colourful, both sets feature a variety of traditional forms of dance; Dvorak expertly working with the leaping gallop, polka odzemek and skocna, contrasted alongside luscious mazurkas and sousedsky.
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Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Jakub Hrusa, Jiri Belohlavek – Dvořák: Requiem, Biblical Songs, Te Deum (2020)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 02:22:06 minutes | 2,43 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Decca Music Group Ltd.
This release concludes the series of Jiří Bělohlávek’s last recordings of Czech masterworks for Decca Classics before he sadly passed away in 2017
“The Czech Philharmonic give their collective all; with the best sound Decca has yet achieved at the Rudolfinum, this can be placed next to Charles Mackerras as the finest modern Asrael.” BBC Music Magazine, Orchestral Choice ★★★★★
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Czech Philharmonic & Jiří Bělohlávek – Suk: Asrael Symphony; Pohádka (2019)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 01:28:01 minutes | 1,55 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Decca Music Group Ltd.
Both the ‘AsraelSymphony’ and ‘Fairy Tale’, considered by many the summit of Suk’s achievements, are new additions to the Decca and Universal catalogues.
145 years after Suk’s birth, JiříBělohlávekand the Czech Philharmonic present informed performances of two of the composer’s most notable works. The ‘AsraelSymphony’ was composed in memory of Antonín Dvořákand his daughter, Otilie, to whom Suk was married.
This release continues the series of JiříBělohlávek’slast recordings of Czech masterworks for Decca Classics before he sadly passed away in 2017.
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Czech Philharmonic, Jiří Bělohlávek – Smetana: Má Vlast (2018)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 01:16:48 minutes | 1,36 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Decca Music Group Ltd.
The great Czech conductor and his beloved orchestra perform a definitive Má vlast.
In one of his last recording with the Czech Philharmonic, Jiří Bělohlávek conducts a heartfelt account of Smetana’s great set of symphonic poems: Má vlast (My Homeland).
This recording is the first album release by the Czech Philharmonic and their much-loved chief conductor, Jiří Bělohlávek, following his passing in May 2017.
Smetana’s Czech masterpiece has played a central role during the most important moments of the Czech Philharmonic’s history.
This is an authoritative recording of Má vlast performed by musicians with an innate understanding of the music of their homeland.
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Czech Philharmonic & Jiri Belohlavek – Dvorák: Stabat Mater, Op. 58, B.71 (2017)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 01:23:01 minutes | 1,39 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Decca Music Group Ltd.
The year 1875 was something of an annus mirabilis for Dvořák: in just twelve months he composed his Fifth Symphony, the E major String Serenade, three important chamber works, four Moravian Duets and the five-act grand opera Vanda. It also marked both a peak in his fortunes – for the first time he received a state prize to help struggling young artists – and a year of deep personal sadness for the composer and his wife Anna, with the death on 19 September of their infant daughter Josefa.
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Czech Philharmonic, Jiri Belohlavek – Anton Dvorák : Complete Symphonies & Concertos (2014)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 08:04:43 minutes | 8,29 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Decca Music Group Ltd.
Even though Anton’in Dvor’ak remains among the most popular of Romantic composers, compilations of his complete symphonies are somewhat scarce, especially when compared to those of other great symphonists of the 19th century. That’s one reason why Jir’i Belohl’avek’s 2014 set with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra should get classical fans’ attention, but a more valid reason to acquire this collection is the exceptionally high quality of the performances, which Decca recorded in a series of subscription concerts between 2010 and 2014. A deciding factor should be the strong feeling this conductor and orchestra have for Dvor’ak’s music, not only because of a shared Bohemian tradition and the composer’s legacy (Dvor’ak conducted the Czech Philharmonic’s first concert in 1896), but also because few other orchestras communicate the rhythms and colors of the music as vibrantly and with as much excitement. As rare as sets of the complete symphonic cycle are, those that include Dvor’ak’s concertos are rarer still. The recordings Belohl’avek and the CPO made of the Cello Concerto in B minor with Alisa Weilerstein, the Violin Concerto in A minor with Frank Peter Zimmerman, and the Piano Concerto in G minor with Garrick Ohlsson are essential listening, and their inclusion with the symphonies gives the package much greater value. Decca’s high-definition sound delivers clean details and close-up presence, so even though these recordings are live, they sound as fine as a studio recording. Highly recommended.
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Paul Lewis, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Jirí Belohlávek – Ludwig van Beethoven: Complete Piano Concertos (2010)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/44,1 kHz | Time – 02:56:07 minutes | 1,52 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Digital Booklet, Front Cover | © harmonia mundi
His complete set of the Beethoven sonatas enjoyed extraordinary acclaim in the UK, culminating in the prestigious ‘Recording of the Year’ award from Gramophone magazine for the fourth volume in 2008. Encouraged by what has now become a worldwide success, Paul Lewis has chosen to turn his attention to the five piano concertos with these distinguished partners. Recorded between July 2009 and March 2010, these interpretations paint a portrait of Beethoven full of light and shade.
Paul Lewis and Jirí Belohlávek have produced a set of the Beethoven piano concertos that puts them closer to their Classical-era roots while conveying a sense of excitement in Beethoven’s daring and innovative writing. This is not a boldly stated and theatrically dramatic reading of these works; one might say it’s conservative, but not so much so that the listener can’t help being moved by the rousing ending of the Emperor Concerto or caught up in the energy of the opening movement of the Concerto No. 3. Lewis gives the slow movements elegance and gracefulness with a touch that is wonderfully legato. Yet he knows how to change his articulation to help change the character and shape of each phrase throughout the concertos, adding interest to the music without overdoing any drama. He and Belohlávek work well together in this, neither one being indulgent, and with Belohlávek keeping the orchestral colors very much in line with the piano. Their interpretation sounds completely natural to Beethoven’s style, from the first to the last concerto. Harmonia Mundi’s sound is very clear and present, and equally balanced between the orchestra and piano. –Patsy Morita, AllMusic
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![Alisa Weilerstein, Jiri Belohlavek - Dvořák: Cello Concerto, Rondo, Silent Woods (2014) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz] Download](https://i0.wp.com/imghd.xyz/images/2022/06/10/0002894785756_600.jpg?resize=500%2C500&ssl=1)
Alisa Weilerstein, Jiri Belohlavek – Dvořák: Cello Concerto, Rondo, Silent Woods (2014)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 01:07:06 minutes | 1,33 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Digital Booklet, Front Cover | © Decca Music Group Ltd.
American cellist Alisa Weilerstein, described by BBC Music Magazine as one of the most extraordinary soloists of her generation, follows her critically acclaimed Decca debut recording of Elgar s Cello Concerto with a vital new interpretation of Dvorak s Cello Concerto, coupled with some of his best-known melodies.
This Dvorak recording casts visionary light on the Czech composer s epic concerto, connecting directly with its passionate heart.
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