Program

Leoš Janáček, On an Overgrown Path (Po zarostlém chodníčku), Book I

1. Naše večery (Our Evenings)

2. Lístek odvanutý (A Blown-Away Leaf)

3. Pojďte s námi! (Come With Us!)

4. Frýdecká panna Maria (The Madonna of Frydek)

5. Štěbetaly jak laštovičky (They Chattered Like Swallows)

6. Nelze domluvit! (Words Fail!)

7. Dobrou noc! (Good Night!)

8. Tak neskonale úzko (Unutterable Anguish)

9. V pláči (In Tears)

10. Sýček neodletěl! (The Barn Owl Has Not Flown Away!)

Andras Schiff plays Janáček's On an overgrown Path, Book I

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Cast

Sir András Schiff — Pianist

Program notes

Immerse yourself in the sublime artistry of Hungarian virtuoso Andras Schiff as he performs a cornerstone of the Czech piano repertoire: Leoš Janáček's Auf verwachsenem Pfade (“On a Covered Path”) cycle.

Comprising twelve short pieces, this cycle is not the bucolic musical stroll its title might imply, but rather a stirring evocation of sorrow and loss. In 1902, Janáček's daughter Olga died of typhoid fever on the eve of her 21st birthday, casting the composer into profound despair. These pieces transport us into the composer’s memories and moments in life, and their aching sonorities weave together softness and sorrow in vivid contrast. Who better to convey the poetry of this cycle than the exceptional Andras Schiff? The remarkable pianist performs these pieces of unparalleled evocative power with his characteristic vivacity and deep sensitivity.

A closer look: featured composers

Leoš Janáček