Calix 2005

Social Programme

Concert

Programme

Three divertimentos for strings K.136, 137 and 138 the first one in D major will open the programme. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart has written them probably in winter of 1772 in Salzburg for archbishop of Salzburg. They belong to small pieces of occasion performed usually for pleasure and entertainment. Definitely, we can find there the dancing inspiration, too. All are composed from three sentences with lively and sparkling introductory and closing sentences. The slower second sentence is more suited for a rest than for deep thoughts as usual for later works of the genius. Definitely, W. A. Mozart was 16 year old when writing them and he was full of optimism and hope for his bright future.

The genre of instrumental concert has been born in Italian Barocco at the end of 17^th century. The son of Venice´s barber and violinist Antonio Vivaldi is famous for hundreds of his concertos of that kind. Now this form is common to all music lovers as well as performers. As outstanding violinist he used to write many concerts for this instrument. Nevertheless several works have been devoted also to different instrument(s). Traditionally his concerts have been built on the three sentence base with the first the last sentence in allegro or allegretto. The moderate intermediate sentence is frequently introducing the completely original melodic invention. Famous concerts of Vivaldi have added substantial portion to stabilisation of form mainly with respect to differentiated parts „tutti” and „soli”.

Serenade E major for strings has been written by famous Antonín Dvořák within eleven days of May 1875. It is known as fresh typically summer music with overwhelming impression of good cheer. Those days have been very happy for the composer as he has just performed his opera “King and the Coalman” and obtained (with the substantial help of Johannes Brahmse very prestigious Viena Stipend. He was also awarded by “Umělecká beseda” in Prague a special prize for his Quintet G major. Moreover he was newly-married man and he very happy with his wife. Serenade consisted of five parts is full of nice, charming music. Very decent introductory Moderato, dancing (waltzing) rhythm of second part, very lyric melody of nocturno Larghetto, following after very energetic scherzo´s Vivace, and finally very temperament Finale has coined this masterpiece of Dvořák.

Prague Chamber Soloist

The Prague Chamber Soloist is among the oldest active ensembles of its kind on the Czech music scene. The orchestra has been a meeting point for members of the leading Prague chamber and symphonic ensembles, a place where they can share their experiences under the inspired huidance of artists such as: conductor Václav Neumann and Libor Pešek, violinist Hubert Šimáček (also the founder of the Prague Chamber Soloist and member of Prager Symphonic Orchestra), or the unforgettable Prof. Václav Jírovec, an outstanding chamber instrumentalist and tutor.

The orchestra´s broad repertoire includes all the important compositions that have been written for this type of ensemble, from the work of classical composers to music pieces by contemporary artists.

On the Japan tour of 2000, the Prague Chamber Soloist, accompanied by Václav Hudeček, won the hearts of the Japanese audience by playing Dvořák´s “Serenade for Strings”, one of their most performed pieces. The orchestra has cooperated with a great number of soloists, from highly talented Czech music students to Václav Hudeček, Bohuslav Matoušek, and the internationally acclaimed Henryk Szeryng. The Prague Chamber Soloists regularly participate in Music Festivals. In 2003 the orchestra has started a new phase. The new head of Prague Chamber Soloists is Bohuslav Matoušek, an outstanding violinist, whose name is well known abroad. His musical qualities and rich experience as a first violinist of quartets, and as a concertmaster in Japan has already brought success and ensure a promising future to the Prague Chamber Soloists.