David Svec - Dvorak, Fibich, Smetana & Suk: Evening Songs - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Bass-baritone Adam Plachetka presents Molieri, a program of opera arias by Mozart and Salieri, together with the Czech Ensemble Baroque under the baton of Roman Válek. Thanks to fictional works such as the film Amadeus, Antonio Salieri is often scapegoated as the man who allegedly caused Mozart's untimely death out of professional envy. Despite the fact that this is obviously not true, Salieri's popularity has suffered from this popular myth-making, and most of his operas have sunk into oblivion. Molieri brings the two composers together, focusing on bass-8 baritone arias from their opera buffas. Famous arias from Mozart's Da Ponte operas are heard in a completely different light when paired to excerpts from Salieri's Falstaff, Axur, La grotto di Trofonio and La scuola de' gelosi. It also makes clear why Salieri enjoyed such success, as well as why great composers such as Beethoven, Schubert and Liszt all wanted to study with him. Given the importance of Prague for Mozart's operatic successes, the music fits the players of Czech Ensemble Baroque like a glove, and Plachetka possesses the optimal combination of vocal authority and agility to sing these buffo roles. Bass-baritone Adam Plachetka frequents the world's most prestigious opera houses, and is a MET regular, equally at home in dramatic and comic repertoire. The Czech Ensemble Baroque is one of the most important period instrument ensembles of the Czech Republic, and was founded by Roman Válek in 1998. Plachetka, Válek and the ensemble all make their Pentatone debut.

PARENT/TEACHER NOTES, LYRICS, AND ACTIVITIES INCLUDED WITH CD Bobby Susser, M.A. Communication Arts and Sciences and Early Childhood Education, Columbia University, has written, produced, and performed original, easy-to-learn, award winning children's songs since 1971, as well as internationally acclaimed popular songs for all ages. He has been awarded the the, 'Early Childhood News Directors' Choice Award', (6) times, Dr. Toy's/The Institute for Childhood Resources Best Children's Vacation Products Award, ' (2) times, '100 Best Children's Products Award, ' (8) times) '10 Best Audio-Video Products Award, ' (7) times, 'Best Classic Products Award, ' (2) times, '10 Best Socially Responsible Products, ' (3) times, received six (6) 'Parents' Choice Awards', for his ongoing series 'Bobby Susser Songs For Children', and the '2013 Distinguished Alumni Award', from Teachers College, Columbia University. He has also wrote, recorded, and contributed an official theme song to the world renowned St. Jude Children's Hospital. Bobby Susser records and works with several types of singers and musicians depending upon the song, style, and subject matter. Mr. Susser believes the performance as well as the song must be believable, honest, and sincere. These important qualities are the running threads throughout his original songs and activities. Listen to his songs and you'll discover a serious and careful effort to help kindle imagination, empathy, understanding, compassion, and socialization in our children, (in a most entertaining way) which are key elements in the development of self. Bobby Susser is believable, honest, and sincere. As the years go by, Bobby's songs and recordings continue to grow in popularity and importance for his old and new fans (Parents, teachers, librarians, children, and others who have experienced the value of his songs). In addition, pop, rhythm n' blues,

Gary Lemco writes InchMy own beguilement with Szeryng came with his performance in 1987 Atlanta with Louis Lane, of the North American premiere of the 1927Concerto by Reynaldo Hahn, the French master of the Belle Epoch. InchAh, yesInch, asserts Szeryng, InchReynaldo Hahn, the most Parisian of all Parisians, even though he was born in Caracas of German parents. There is even a street in Caracas named for him. I remember meeting him; and even though he was trained as a pianist, he had a natural sense of the violin. Some favor his Violin Sonata. The Concerto is published, but for some reason nobody plays it. The first movement for me is the best and most compact and makes a natural display piece. The second movement is based on a song from Tunis - absolutely genuine- and the finale sings in a typical operetta style. It starts like an extension of the second movement and has tremendous wit and charm. And, to be sure, it is a challenge.Inch