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  | NIKOL BOKOVA ~ HER COUNTRY
SOLEIL ET PLUIE 1006 (Barcode: 788364844064) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Classical
Recorded: 2024 Released: 2024
This is the 7th album by Czech pianist / composer Nikol BokovaFind albums by this artist, which takes her back to her Classical Music roots. The album was recorded with the Baborak EnsembleFind albums by this artist, which includes a string section expanded by several additional instruments and mezzo-soprano singer Bella AdamovaFind albums by this artist, conducted by French Horn player / conductor Radek BaborakFind albums by this artist. The music is a six-part cycle / tone poem, composed by Bokova and with lyrics on two of the cycle’s parts by her and her husband Jan Bok ValaFind albums by this artist.
The music celebrates the 200th Birthday Anniversary of the Czech national composer Bedrich SmetanaFind albums by this artist, with elements of his compositions being an inspiration to some of the cycle’s parts, but Bokova also mentions other more recent influences behind the music, like the fate of Czech politician Milada HorakovaFind albums by this artist, a victim of a judicial murder by the Communist party and a national hero, as well as Bokova’s family history.
The music is an interesting amalgam of typical 19th Century Classical Music elements, like Romanticism and Revolutionary / Nationalistic movements, with more modern elements, especially noticeable in the orchestration and less strict tonal and structural limitations. The overall result is moving and beautifully melodic, which makes it accessible to a wide range of listeners, not necessarily only Classical Music connoisseurs.
It is great to see Bokova returning to her musical roots with love and an open mind. It is extremely difficult to be innovative within Classical Music, which has half a Millennium of traditions and rules, which made it more rigid and obstructive than other Art Forms. Bokova proposes here a wonderful balance between the tradition and innovation.
Overall, this is quite an unusual piece of music, which might require a while to get acquainted with, but once embraced offers a truly delightful musical experience, assuming the listener is able to “let go” of what he considers as “proper” Classical Music, and just opens his heart. A glass of good wine might be of help. Thank you for the music Milady!
| | Updated: 28/01/2025Posted: 28/01/2025 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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