Kalabis: Symphonies & Concertos

Kalabis was that unusual composer whose identity is known in the first few measures. Fortunately for me, I like him.I've had LP's of his violin concertos for a decade (on Panton and Supraphon labels) and have wanted more. These 3 CD's not only gave me a chance to replace the well-worn violin concerto recordings, but introduced me to more from this unique composer.If you like the refreshing sound of Martinu, try Kalabis. They don't really sound alike, but they feel akin

a great composer of our timeshamelessely inknown !From martinu and hindemith to a very personnal world.To be acquired immediately

For a Czech composer to remain true to himself during the dark times of Communist oppression after 1948 and survive into old age was an achievement indeed. This box set is a representative compendium of many of Kalabis' most significant orchestral works, culled from recordings made over a period of around 40 years or so from the early 1960's onwards. The performances are uniformly excellent, often definitive, and the recording quality never less than serviceable. The idiom is modern (post-Martinu), but approachable, the craftsmanship exemplary, and the emotional content often very moving. Perhaps a musical byway, but an unjustly neglected one at that, and well worth the very modest outlay.

Not as good as I expected but I would buy every symphony ever written if I could afford to, I love 'em