Josef Suk - Summer Tale; Fantastic Scherzo (Charles Mackerras)

Information

Composer: Josef Suk

• (01) Summer Tale, Op. 29
• (06) Fantastic Scherzo, Op. 25

Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
Charles Mackerras, conductor

Date: 1999
Label: Decca

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Review

Late-romantic orchestral works played by an ensemble which has this music in its blood, directed by a master of the idiom

Completed in 1909, A Summer's Tale is probably the most easily assimilated of the four large-scale orchestral works conceived by Suk after the double-blow of the deaths (in 1904 and 1905 respectively) of his father-in-law Dvorak and wife Otylka. Cast in five movements, Suk's 'musical poem' (as the composer himself dubbed it) contains some of his most entrancingly original inspiration, not least the shimmering, heat-haze evocation that is 'Noon' and the succeeding Intermezzo entitled 'Blind musicians' (featuring a doleful, spare-textured dialogue between first a pair of cors anglais and then solo violin and viola). Certain commentators have criticized the piece's lack of cohesion, yet, in a towering performance such as that given by Michael Gielen and the Southwest German RSO at the 1993 Edinburgh Festival (and I believe German EMI currently own the rights to that same team's now-deleted Intercord recording - never officially distributed in the UK), its slumbering organic power, sense of spectacle and visionary beauty can take the breath away.

Sir Charles Mackerras's conception may not match Gielen's in terms of lucidity, but its dramatic fervour is tremendously compelling, and his magnificent Czech orchestra responds with commitment and poise throughout. A direct comparison with Libor Pesek's RLPO version perhaps reveals an added humanity and emotional clout on Merseyside (in recent years this partnership has championed Suk more than any other). Moreover, in his profoundly moving 1957 account, Karel Sejna locates an extra pain in the unforgettable central section of the nightmarish fourth-movement Scherzo as well as an infinitely touching, compassionate warmth in the awesome, concluding 'Night'. Inevitably, his rather rough mono recording doesn't begin to compare with the lustrous results achieved by Decca's Hazell/Lock production team. Indeed, I doubt whether the Czech Philharmonic has ever been captured by the microphones with greater richness and depth (bass-drum fanciers are in for a field day) ; provided the seismically wide dynamic range doesn't prove an obstacle to domestic harmony (best warn the neighbours in advance!), a sonic feast is guaranteed.

Pesek's extremely fine performance comes without a fill-up, whereas Mackerras offers a delectable bonus in the shape of the Fantastic Scherzo of 1903 (with its indelible, lilting second subject - once heard, forever etched in the memory). Truth to tell, Mackerras conducts with greater fire and temperament here than in the main offering (the music's danse macabre, at times positively Mahlerian, characteristics brought out most perceptively). Despite any minor qualms, then, this remains a classy, thrillingly accomplished coupling overall.

-- Andrew Achenbach, Gramophone

More reviews:
BBC Music Magazine  PERFORMANCE: ***** / SOUND: *****
http://www.classical.net/music/recs/reviews/l/lon66443a.php
https://www.amazon.com/Suk-Summer-Tale-Fantastic-Scherzo/dp/B00002MXNF

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Josef Suk (4 January 1874 – 29 May 1935) was a Czech composer and violinist. Known as one of Dvořák's favorite pupils, Suk became very close to his mentor and later married Dvořák's daughter, Otilie. Suk was the grandfather of famed Czech violinist Josef Suk (1929-2011). Suk's musical style started off with a very heavy emphasis on what he experienced during his time with Dvořák, though this Czech-style influence eventually slowly became more German and Austrian in style. Suk, alongside Vitezslav Novak and Ostrčil, is considered one of the leading composers in Czech Modernism.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josef_Suk_(composer)

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Charles Mackerras (17 November 1925 – 14 July 2010) was an Australian conductor. He was an authority on the operas of Janáček and Mozart, and the comic operas of Gilbert and Sullivan. Mackerras was known for his broad repertoire, expertise in Czech music, and use of period performance practices with modern orchestras. Mackerras recorded three Mahler symphonies and all of the symphonies of Mozart, Brahms and Beethoven. His final recording was Suk's Asrael Symphony in 2007. His final public performance saw him conduct Così fan tutte at Glyndebourne in the summer of 2010.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Mackerras

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