Review: 8 Powerful Symphonies by Kabeláč

Kabeláč: Symphonies 1-8. Various Soloists, Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, Marko Ivanovic (cond.) Supraphon (4 CDs)

[franklehman]

I bought this set based on your earlier video on the Mystery of Time and do not regret it! I can't stop listening to the Third in particular, what a piece!

[orincorr]

There is an album of Kabelac and Smetana's piano works that just came out on Supraphon, with Jan Bartos as the pianist. May be worth looking at, if you're a Kabelac fan.

[ondrejsedo]

To those who are interested in the lyrics of the 7th, here is the translation (Sorry, I am not a poet, so it is only exact translation of the words):

I. Eternity

Eternity! Eternity! Eternity! Eternity from eternity! Eternity before the First, eternity before Alpha, eternity before the beginning. Beginning? The word? The word from God? God? The beginning? The word? The word from God? Light in the darkness. Light in the darkness. Light over the darkness. Life. Life. Life. Life. The people. Light. The people. Light. Life – light of the people. The man. Light. The man. Light. Life – light of the man.

II. Human
A book, an open book, book of life, book of life of the born, book of the life begun, book of the words - faithful and true words, book of prophecy, book of resolution, book of determination.
Golgotha! The cross on Golgotha! The man on the cross! Blame! Crime! Prosecution! Prosecution against the man. A man – a criminal? A man without blame! Blame! Crime! Trial! Trial against the man. A criminal man? A man without blame! Blame! Crime! Punishment! Punishment to the man. A criminal man? A man without blame! Death! Death! Death! Death to the man. A criminal man? A man without blame!
Truth! Justice! Law! Crime of the law, punishment of the justice, death to the truth. Death for the truth, death for humanity, death for humanness, death for mankind, death for people, death for the light of the man – for life! Life. Tear. Cry. Pain. Wailing. Wailing. Wailing. Scream! Pain. Cry. Tear. Death.
The last trial.
A book, an open book, book of life, book of life of the dead, book of the life terminated, book of words - faithful and true words, book of testimony, book of deeds, book of fullfilment.

III. Eternity
New Earth, new heaven, new grace. Secret, glory, power. Secret, glory, power. Secret, glory, power. Mystery. Mystery of time. God?
Word from God? The word? The end? Eternity after the end? Eternity after Omega? Eternity after the Last one? Eternity till eternity! Eternity! Eternity! Eternity! Eternity! Eternity!

[consul]

There is a highly recommendable brand-new release on Supraphon featuring Kabeláč's splendid works for solo piano "Eight Preludes" & "Motifs from Exotic Lands" (+ Smetana's "Dreams") – played by Jan Bartos.

[bigg]

Kabelač's 5th ("Drammatica") is also included among Karel Ančerl's recent Live recordings box. I do not remember who the heroic soprano is on that occasion. David will know, but others who plan on getting the Ančerl anyway, you will find the "Drammatica" ar a bonus.

[richardyoung]

“Not painful to listen to” Well that’s a start!

[CortJohnson]

Intense and brooding…right up my alley! Thanks 😎

[danieldroppa]

Great. I heard his 3rd first, very gloomy but fun as you have said. 5th and 7th i could tolerate, but not really paying attention. Your comment about the 8th is right :+) IT was written as reaction to occupation of Czechoslovakia in '68

[jean-lucbernhardt]

There appears to be a problem with the individual packaging of each disc: two listeners report that the plastic material ends up sticking to the discs, making them unplayable,
even on a computer 👎. Too bad, thank you Dave for this discovery which I listen to on youtube 🙏👍

[michaelmurray]

Great review. I got this set after I heard one of his symphonies on a Czech radio station. I’ve yet to get a copy of his Mystery of time but it’s on my list v

[jimryon]

How stupid of me, I didn't know this composer existed. Must be fun to play.

[carlconnor]

I’ll say two things about Kabelac. Firstly, I gave him an ample chance. Secondly, you’re right: a soprano has to be insane to be put through that!

[carlconnor]

I’m with you, David. I can’t stand recitals with orchestra either.

[ondrejsedo]

Do not regret that you do not understand the text of the 7th. It's pretty awful, like the delirium of a guy who has read nothing but the New Testament over and over all his life. Concerning the text of the 8th, there are only repetitive religious keywords, nothing coherent - but it goes perfectly with the music.