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Czech composer and violinist Josef Suk married the daughter Otilie of his composition teacher at the Prague Conservatory - Dvorák, and the strong influence of his teacher can be heard in Suk's early works, which later became more Straussian in character. Suk was the Bohemian String Quartet's 2nd violinist from 1891-1933 and he returned to the Prague Conservatoire from 1922-35 to teach composition. Born at Krecovice u Neveklova on 4 January 1874, Suk died at Benesov on 29 May 1935.
CD Spotlight. Eschatological Truth - Gerald Fenech is inspired by Josef Suk's 'Asrael' Symphony. '... Jakob Hrůša gives a compelling rendition that is intense, profound and consistently electrifying.'
Ensemble. Centres of Excellence - Roderic Dunnett looks back to the 2017 Three Choirs Festival at Worcester, and forward to 2018 in Hereford
CD Spotlight. Bring back Wieniawski! - Kelly Hall-Tompkins' violin recital, heard by the late Howard Smith. '... a sparkling account ...'
CD Spotlight. Irrepressible Delights - Piano trios from the 1890s, heard by Howard Smith. '... compelling feeling and technical assurance ...'
CD Spotlight. Extremely Beautiful - Arrangements of Dvorák songs recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'The intense rapport between both artists can immediately be felt ...'
Ensemble. Beautifully Controlled - Mike Wheeler listens to Suk, Dvorák, Ravel and Debussy from the Hallé Orchestra in Nottingham
Ensemble. Unmissable Talents - An array of artists at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman
Ensemble. Love's Eternal Empire - Music by Janácek and Suk impresses Bill Newman
CD Spotlight. A Flowing Delivery - Bach Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin, heard by Howard Smith. '... vital technical flair ...'
Record Box. Full and Resonant - Violin concertos by Bohuslav Martinu, reviewed by Patric Standford
CD Spotlight - Varied moods. '... a fine account of the music ...' Risto Lauriala plays the piano music of Josef Suk, considered by Robert Anderson
Orchestral Polyphony - 'A "dream" performance, magical, sensuous, dramatic in turn, marvellously controlled during every gear change.' Admiring Suk's use of the orchestra - with Bill Newman