Foerster quartets

[eschiss1]

I notice in MDT's August forthcoming releases an announcement of Josef Bohuslav Foerster's 5 (or 4-and-1, since the 5th wasn't exactly finished by the composer) string quartets.  Is this a new recording or a reissue? (The performers are the Stamic Quartet.) I've seen quartet 4 in score some while back and liked it (this may have been my introduction to the composer, though I've heard a couple of symphonies - 1 and 4, I think - and his cello and first violin concertos since, maybe a piano trio too.) Anyhow, I'm happy about the release in principle but wonder if anyone knows anything about it

[Pengelli]

No answer to this one,I see! I noticed that Supraphon have now released the Foerster quartets as a complete set. They may be worth a listen,so I will be keeping an eye out for reviews.

[Alan Howe]

Me too. It's definitely 'listen before buy' for me!

[eschiss1]

There are some meanwhile some samples at http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/detail/-/art/Josef-Bohuslav-Foerster-Streichquartette-Nr-1-5/hnum/5719040 ...
Eric

[Pengelli]

I forgot about that site. Thanks! While we're at it,are the symphonies recorded by MDG worth investigating? I haven't been able to find many reviews,except for the fourth.

[eschiss1]

I forgot about that site. Thanks! While we're at it,are the symphonies recorded by MDG worth investigating? I haven't been able to find many reviews,except for the fourth.

I've heard one or two of the MDG recordings on radio broadcasts (and at least one other in a different, studio, performance, but not counting that )  I thought they were well-done. Musicweb International reviewed symphonies 1 and 2 here and symphonies 3 and 4 here - not sure if they've reviewed the 3rd CD in the cycle yet.
Eric

[Alan Howe]

The symphonies are well worth exploring as long as you are not expecting great originality. I have enjoyed all of them, but I'm a sucker for this sort of thing...

[Mark Thomas]

That said, good performances though they all get in the MDG series, it's also clear why the Fourth is the only one which retained a foothold in the repertoire.

[Pengelli]

You've heard them Mark, I haven't. Anyone got a different angle on these symphonies. And if I get just one,other than the fourth,which should I go for?
His opera 'Eva' is supposed to be good,and I've heard good things about his other orchestral works,which Supraphon seem to have,unhelpfuly,deleted.
     A work I keep wanting to hear by another Czech composer,which IS reputed to be very good,is Fibich's 'Sarka'. Unfortunately,the most recent recording, that I want,has been deleted,and guess what? When Supraphon finally get round to releasing a Czech 'Sarka',they go and release an ancient old 1950's recording!
     Also,sorry to hijack this Foerster thread,but has anyone here heard Supraphons recording of Novak's 'The Lantern'. Is it worth aquiring? I hear it is still performed over there.
     NB The worst Czech opera I have ever heard has got to be Smetana's 'The Devil Wall'. All I can remember is the vilains evil laugh,repeated ala Tod Slaughter,over and over again. And probably one of the worst box  cover designs ever. Sadly this 'Unsung' got sung!!!

[Pengelli]

To be fair,Smetana was,apparently,very ill when he wrote it,so I suppose it's amazing he got to compose the opera,at all.
   Regarding,'Sarka' & Supraphon. I find their re-issue policy nearly as annoying as emi's.

[Pengelli]

Thank you for the links,eschiss 1. I may try one of the symphonies later in the year. They sound like pleasently late romantic fare,if not exactly earth shattering. Anyone know where I can hear some audio extracts? I can't seem to locate any. A mistake on MDG's part,as this is the only way some people might be tempted by such esoteric fare.

[eschiss1]

Thank you for the links,eschiss 1. I may try one of the symphonies later in the year. They sound like pleasently late romantic fare,if not exactly earth shattering. Anyone know where I can hear some audio extracts? I can't seem to locate any. A mistake on MDG's part,as this is the only way some people might be tempted by such esoteric fare.

Here amazon seems to be of some help- this link for volume 3 (symphony 5 and a tone poem), this link for symphonies 3 and 4, and this link for symphonies 1 and 2.

[Pengelli]

Thanks!

[Kriton]

I noticed that Supraphon have now released the Foerster quartets as a complete set. They may be worth a listen,so I will be keeping an eye out for reviews.

Isn't the same programme planned by CPO for release somewhere this fall?

[Pengelli]

 Re: the Symphonies.Have to say,I can't say I was exactly 'grabbed' by what I heard. Although,I only heard extracts of course.Thanks anyway.