EIF – Dvorak and Suk by the Bamberger Symphoniker at The Usher Hall

The final concert by the Bamberger Symphoniker consisted of two pieces by relatives, Antonín Dvořák and his son-in-law Josef Suk.

This performance made me regret that I had been unable to attend their other two such was the mastery of both the conductor, Jakub Hrůša, and the orchestra from the harp to the piccolo.

The first was the elder’s Te Deum superbly sung in Latin by soprano Kateřina Kněžíková and baritone Adam Plachetka impeccably accompanied by the Edinburgh Festival Chorus. An expression of Dvořák’s deep, Catholic faith, the ensemble brought great dynamism as well as quiet reflection. Fabulous.

The second piece was Suk’s brilliant Asrael Symphony, named after the Angel of Death, in memoriam of the demise of both his father-in-law and then his wife, Ottilie, the following year. This piece is complex and ranges from a violent expression of rage to subtle contemplation. The orchestra under Hrůša’s exact direction demonstrated practised precision and superb subtlety. This opus needs more frequent recitals. Marvellous.

https://www.eif.co.uk/events/bamberger-symphoniker-dvorak-suk