Vít¿zslava Kaprálová
died in France after a terrible medical error in 1940 at age 25. If she hadn't, she would have become one of the greatest composers of the 20th century. Even as it is, there are several works here that ought to satisfy music directors looking to program more music by women without antagonizing gray-hair subscribers. Sample the charming little
Prélude de Noël
, for instance.
Kaprálová
's music is rooted in neoclassic harmonies, but her forms are anything but neoclassic; they seem free, but they have a logic that is all her own and seems born of high spirits. Recordings of her works are becoming more common, but there is much to be gained by hearing all of her completed orchestral works (she left a few unfinished) in one place like this. Consider the
Suite en miniature, Op. 1
, which started life as a piano work and was then revised for orchestra by the composer. The reworking of the piece was substantial, and the movements acquired new titles reflecting the neoclassic content
realized was there. This is a unique insight into the growth of a young composer. The major work is the
Piano Concerto in D minor, Op. 7
, and this, too, has remarkable formal freedom. It receives a fine performance from
Tomás Vrána
, and the playing throughout by the
Janá¿ek Philharmonic Ostrava
under conductor
Alena Hron
has a perhaps indefinable Czech flavor that is critical in this music. This is a major contribution to the literature of 20th century orchestral music on recordings. ~ James Manheim