“Growing up in the Czech Republic, you are consciously or unconsciously surrounded by the music of Luboš Fišer…his compositions found their way into all spheres of the cultural life here.Upon discovering Fišer’s Piano Sonata No. V, during my conservatory years, the music immediately resonated with me and I felt as though I was beginning a conversation with a long-lost friend. His music sparks my imagination and I feel privileged to welcome listeners into this enchanting musical thriller.” — Zuzana Šimurdová
Luboš Fišer was one of the most influential and versatile Czech composers of the 20th century, with a prolific and impressive body of work for the stage, screen and concert hall. Fišer’s eight piano sonatas (of which the second is lost), were composed for the instrument described by the composer as ‘his greatest love of all’. Retaining a special place in Fišer’s oeuvre, they became an intimate diary of his constantly evolving compositional style, from his student days and the neo-classical Sonata No.1, through the experimental sonatas of the 1960s and 1970s, to the simplicity of melodic line and the immediate emotional impact of the final sonata, No. 8.
This recording was made on a modern instrument: Bösendorfer Grand Piano, Model 225
Piano Sonata No. 1 (1955) (00:15:01 )
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1
I. Allegro energico (00:05:24)
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2
II. Andante (00:04:20)
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3
III. Presto (00:05:14)
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Piano Sonata No. 3 (1960) (00:13:17 )
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4
I. Grave - Vivace (00:07:22)
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5
II. Adagio (00:05:55)
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6
Piano Sonata No. 4 (1964) * (00:10:11)
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7
Piano Sonata No. 5 (1974) (00:08:23)
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8
Piano Sonata No. 6, "Fras" (1978) (00:06:11)
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9
Piano Sonata No. 7 (1985) * (00:09:38)
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10
Piano Sonata No. 8 (1995) (00:06:17)
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“Her [Šimurdová] committed interpretations are head and shoulders above the competition” – Panorama Polska
“The interpretation of Zuzana Simurdova makes clear all the contrasts of this intense and vivid music in a masterful way.” – Ritmo
“Zuzana Šimurdová plays with color and affection. Her Bosendorfer sounds gorgeous.” – American Record Guide