The CDs title, a paraphrase of Josef Mysliveeks nickname, Il divino Boemo, aptly characterises thetheme of the recording: the 18th-century violin virtuosos/composers hailing from the Czech lands. Themost distinguished of them, whose influence was compared to that of Tartinis, was Frantiek Benda.Although inspired by Vivaldi, he created his own singular performance style, which was even lauded bythe famous English music historian Charles Burney. The CD features sonatas preserved in Prague inperiod copies. Also contained on the recording are overlooked pieces by composers virtually unknownuntil recently. Frantiek Jiráneks life is linked with Count Václav Morzins celebrated orchestra, as well asAntonio Vivaldi himself. Another discovery is the sonata by J. A. Gurecký. Owing to the masterful andrefined performance of the violinist Lenka Torgersen and the spellbinding accompaniment of theharpsichordist Václav Luks (also the conductor of Collegium 1704), the album presents to us thefascinating world of Czech violin virtuosos a colourful, tender and beautiful world.Virtuoso and gallant the fascinating zworld of the most celebrated Czech 18th-century violinists.
Works:
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Benda, Franz: Sonata in B flat major (Lee III-124)
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Benda, Franz: Sonata in C minor (Lee III-15)
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Gurecký: Sonata in D major
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Jiránek: Sonata in C major (Jk 28)
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Jiránek: Sonata in F major (Jk 29)