Jakov GOTOVAC (1895-1982)1

Marko TAJCEVIC (1900-1984)2

 

Symphonic Poems1

Seven Balkan Dances2

 

Radio-Philharmonie Hannover des NDR / Moshe Atzmon

                       

 

•           This releases introduces works by two Croatian composers, Gotovac and Tajcevic to the CPO catalogue.

 

•           Most famous for the opera Ero the Joker, Jakov Gotovac was one of Croatia’s most popular composers during the period between the two world wars and beyond. His late-romantic national style met with great resonance with the public, and his experimenting with dissonant harmonies when alluding to the spicy tone of folklore, created a unique musical idiom that became a solid foundation for the Croatian national musical identity.

 

•           Tajcevic was also responsible for the creation of this Croatian musical identity. He was an outstanding miniaturist who liked writing for both voice and for piano. The famous virtuoso suite Seven Dances from the Balkans was composed for piano. It was later arranged for violin and piano by Jascha Heifetz. The orchestral arrangement featured here was prepared by Leskovic.

 

•           Under the baton of Moshe Atzmon, who has been described as possessing “all the finest characteristics of the conductor’s art”, the Radio-Philharmonie Hannover produce a lively and characterful performance. 

 

CPO 9997242