Haas, Janáček, Martinů & Suk

“In the Mist” & “Intimate Studies” (Janáček),
“Suite for Piano Op.13” and “Allegro Moderato” (Haas),
“Film en Miniature H.148” (Martinů) and
“Spring Op.22a” (Suk)

Lada Valešová, piano

Avie AV 2142 [76 mins]

An important debut release by a very special Czech pianist, now teaching at London's Guildhall School.

It is a carefully constructed and unique programme to which a great deal of thought was given, supported by generous sponsorship and support (a whole page of acknowledgments !). The disc is conceived in homage to four composers who "found time and a ‘calling’ to give themselves selflessly to the task of passing on their knowledge to the next generation of Czech composers".

Especially valuable are the pieces by Janáček, but everything is played idiomatically and perfectly recorded in Bristol, over three days in April 2008. Production is exemplary, with notes by the pianist and Vanda Prochazka and a nice set of photos of the pianist.

I look forward to hearing Lada Valešová in live recital and in chamber music collaborations; she is active working with singers - acclaimed in Musical Opinion as “one of the most gifted of all accompanists currently before the public”.

Peter Grahame Woolf