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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

59 minutes

Music Played

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Leos Janáček

    String Quartet No 1 "The Kreutzer Sonata" (1st & 2nd mvts)

    Ensemble: Belcea Quartet.
    • Belcea Quartet.
    • ALPHA.
    • 1.

Broadcast

  • Tue 20 May 2025 16:00

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