Composer: Alexander Moyzes
Works: Symphony No. 7 (1954-55), Symphony No. 8 (1968)
Performers: Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra / Ladislav Slovák
Recording: 2-8 April 1990, 2-4 December 1994, Concert Hall, Slovak Radio, Bratislava
Label: Marco Polo 8.225091
Alexander Moyzes, a prominent figure in Slovak music, emerges as a composer who deftly weaves his national folk heritage into a tapestry of symphonic expression. His Seventh and Eighth Symphonies mark significant milestones in his oeuvre, showcasing his stylistic evolution from the pastoral to the more fractured and dissonant textures that reflect the socio-political turmoil of his time. The Seventh Symphony, composed in the mid-1950s, stands as a testament to Moyzes’ ability to marry traditional Slovak motifs with a modern orchestral language, while the Eighth Symphony, born in the wake of the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, captures the anguish and alienation wrought by contemporary events.
The Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Ladislav Slovák, delivers a compelling performance that honors the intricate layers of Moyzes’ writing. In the Seventh Symphony, the first movement’s ethereal opening, highlighted by the delicate interplay of harp and flute, sets a pastoral scene reminiscent of Sibelius, with a clear, uncluttered texture that allows the music to breathe. The scherzo, marked by a rhythmic vitality that echoes Bartók’s style, is executed with a precision that showcases the orchestra’s technical prowess. However, the Largo reveals a more introspective side of Moyzes, where the poignant, Shostakovich-like phrases emerge, marked by a searching quality that evokes deep emotional resonance. The finale, though picturesque, suffers from a certain lack of cohesion; while it recycles thematic material from earlier movements, it does not achieve the synthesis one might expect, leaving the listener with an impression of fragmentation.
Transitioning to the Eighth Symphony, the impact of historical context becomes palpably evident. Here, Moyzes diverges from the lyrical ease of his previous work, instead crafting a disjointed narrative filled with micro-episodes that speak to the chaos of the era. The orchestration becomes more aggressive, a stark contrast to the lush soundscapes of the Seventh. The dissonances and abrupt shifts in material reflect a profound sense of alienation, akin to the works of Malcolm Arnold during his more somber periods. Particularly striking is the violin solo at around 7:20, which conveys a haunting lullaby of loss rather than solace, encapsulating the emotional weight of a people grappling with despair.
The recording quality deserves special mention; the engineering captures the orchestra’s nuances while maintaining clarity across the various instrumental lines. The balance between sections is well-managed, allowing the listener to appreciate the intricate woodwind writing, reminiscent of Sibelius’ more introspective moments. Compared to other recordings of Moyzes’ symphonies, this effort stands out for its fidelity and the vividness of the orchestral colors, crucial for understanding the full depth of his musical language.
Moyzes’ symphonic journey from the serene landscapes of his Seventh Symphony to the stark, unsettling realities of the Eighth encapsulates a broader narrative of a composer responding to the trials of his time. This recording serves not only as an entry point into Moyzes’ symphonic world but also as a reflection of the tumultuous history that shaped it. The Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, with Slovák at the helm, navigates these contrasting worlds with commendable skill, making this release a vital chapter in the ongoing exploration of Moyzes’ legacy. The juxtaposition of pastoral beauty and stark tragedy within these works offers a profound commentary on the human condition, making this recording an essential listen for those seeking to understand the complexities of 20th-century Slovak music.
