Janáček's notebooks in the Brno Museum are filled with hundreds of spontaneous jottings of conversations, exclamations, and noises, which he transformed into 'speaking melodies' for his operas.
Compositional Technique
Janáček was so economical in his composition that he would draw his own staves on blank paper, only drawing the lines he needed, rather than buying pre-printed music paper.
Performer Biography
The Pražák Quartet, one of today's leading international chamber music ensembles, was established in 1972 while its members were students at the Prague Conservatory.
Performer Biography
The Pražák Quartet has won several awards, including first prize at the 1978 Evian String Quartet Competition and a special prize from Radio France for best recording during the competition.
Composer Biography
Leoš Janáček, born in the region of Lachs at the foot of the Beskydes mountains in Moravia, began to gain attention around 1880 for his choral writing based on authentic folk music.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in Prague at Domovina Studio in March and October 2013, and at Martinů Concert Hall in September 2013.
Cultural Impact
After the belated triumph of his opera Jenůfa in 1916, Janáček was finally recognized as a 'modern' composer and was even elected president of the International Society of Contemporary Music.
