Credits:

Antoni Wit

Description:

Janek (18541928) composed the program music Taras Bulba in 1918. Based on Nikolai Gogols novel, this ambitious work is thoroughly imbued with Janeks own patriotism. All three movements depict the deaths of characters, creating a deeply unsettling atmosphere; yet the content of the music itself is even more violent and sensational. While the opening, which is said to depict the emotions of lovers, does display a romantic air, this is only temporary; the musical progression, gradually moving toward tragedy, is unbearably thrilling. The Raschsko Dances were composed around 1890, during the period when Janek began actively collecting folk songs; here, the lively music is set to extremely accessible harmonies. While there are no sensual harmonies, this music is distinctly Janek in its own right. The Moravian Dances share this same flavor and might even be considered closer in style to Dvok. Antoni Wit