
A New Muse
Kate Molleson explores the maverick spirit, fierce passions and phenomenal twilight years of Leoš Janáček. Today, an encounter which upturned Janáček's life and music.
Kate Molleson tells the story of the encounter which upturned Janáček’s life and music.
Leoš Janáček was a true Czech original. He heard music in the way people talk on the streets, loved the local and made it universal - pouring his “speech melodies” into pioneering, devastating operas, and writing some of the most intimate confessionals in instrumental music. His life also came with a major plot twist – after years of toiling away unappreciated, he suddenly found fame in his 60s. Instead of winding down, Janáček revved up. All this week, Kate Molleson explores his maverick spirit, his fierce passions, and the phenomenal flood of inspiration of his twilight years.
Today, Janáček comes full circle, buying a cottage in his Moravian birthplace and reconnecting with his rural roots. And he meets Kamila Stösslová, the woman who would suddenly become the intense obsession and creative catalyst of these final years.
Moravian Folk Poetry in Song, JW V/2 (No 2 - Constancy)
Iva Bittová, vocals
Pavel Fischer, vocals
Škampa Quartet
On the Overgrown Path (i. Our Evenings, ii. A Blown Away Leaf)
Stephen Hough, piano
Diary of One Who Disappeared (Nos 19-22)
Ian Bostridge, tenor
Thomas Adès, piano
Katya Kabanova: Act II Scene 2: " "Jste to vy, Katěrino Petrovno?"…."Choď si, dívka, do času"
Amanda Majeski (Katya)
Simon O’Neill (Boris)
Magdalena Kožená (Varvara)
Ladislav Elgr (Kudrjas)
London Symphony Orchestra
Simon Rattle, conductor
The Cunning Little Vixen Act II: “Fox Goldenstripe…..That’s how it is!”
Lilian Watson (Vixen Sharp Ears)
Diana Montague (Fox Goldenstripe)
Gillian Knight (Owl)
Mary King (Jay)
Pat Purcell (Woodpecker)
Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Simon Rattle, conductor
Quartet No 1 ‘Kreutzer Sonata’ (1st and 2nd movements)
Belcea Quartet
Produced by Amelia Parker for ѿý Audio Wales and West
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Music Played
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Leos Janáček
Moravian Folk Poetry in Song (No 2, Constancy)
Performer: Iva Bittová. Performer: Pavel Fischer. Ensemble: Skampa String Quartet.- SUPRAPHON : SU-3794 2.
- SUPRAPHON.
- 2.
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Leos Janáček
On an Overgrown Path (Our Evenings; A Blown Away Leaf)
Performer: Sir Stephen Hough.- Hyperion: CDA67895.
- Hyperion.
- 2.
-
Leos Janáček
The Diary of One Who Disappeared
Performer: Thomas Adès. Singer: Ian Bostridge.- EMI CLASSICS : 7243-5 57219.
- EMI CLASSICS.
- 19.
-
Leos Janáček
Katya Kabanova, Act 2, Scene 2 (excerpt)
Singer: Amanda Majeski. Singer: Simon O’Neill. Singer: Magdalena Kožená. Singer: Ladislav Elgr. Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Sir Simon Rattle.- Katya Kabanova.
- LSO LIVE.
- 7.
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Leos Janáček
The Cunning Little Vixen, Act 2 (excerpt)
Singer: Lillian Watson. Singer: Diana Montague. Choir: Royal Opera House Chorus. Orchestra: Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Conductor: Sir Simon Rattle.- CHANDOS : CHAN-3101.
- CHANDOS.
- 29.
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Leos Janáček
String Quartet No 1 "The Kreutzer Sonata" (1st & 2nd mvts)
Ensemble: Belcea Quartet.- Belcea Quartet.
- ALPHA.
- 1.
Broadcast
- Tue 20 May 2025 16:00ѿý Radio 3
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