Capriccio - Jan Novák / piano score
Practically all the works of Jan Novák (1921-1984) were in the spirit of the Neo-classical creative orientation. Characteristic traits are the clear structure of the form, transparent instrumentation, melody in the framework of free tonality, lively rhythm and a sense of humour. The influence of the work of Bohuslav Martinů is evident in particular in the compositions of the first phase of Novák's work. From the end of the fifties the decisive trait is the inclination towards Latin poetry. Latin, which Novák spoke fluently and which he also handled intensively as a poet, became the chief source of inspiration for his work.
Capriccio belongs to Jan Novák's early compositional output. This three-movement piece brims with playfulness and vigour, and - while revealing the author's interest in all contemporary compositional techniques, including jazz elements - it remains an utterly original and distinctive work of art. Its vibrant rhythmical structure makes use of syncopation and dotted rhythm; the piece is also marked for brilliant instrumentation that inspires the players to apply unconventional techniques, e.g. "with fists" in the piano or "sul ponticello" in the violoncello. Far from leading to an aggressive sound, however, these techniques merely enhance the impression of youthful exuberance. As for the sonic facet of the work, it is the fourth, the tritone, the seventh and the ninth that dominate the piece, together with the playfulness of the motivic work that increases the sense of unrestrained spontaneity emanating from the whole composition.
Other compositions by Jan Novák published in Czech Radio:
Aeolia
Capriccio - score
Dido / piano score
Due preludi e fughe per flauto solo
Elegantiae tripudiorum
Elegantiae tripudiorum for Piano
IV Hymni christiani
Choreae vernales for Flute and Guitar
Choreae vernales for Flute and Piano
Choreae vernales for Flute, String Orchestra and Harp with Celesta or Piano
Odarum concentus choro fidium
Panisci fistula
Prima sonata
Rotundelli
Scherzi pastorali for Clarinet (or Bass Clarinet) and Piano
Sonata brevis
Sonata da chiesa II for Flute and Organ
Sonata tribus
Sonatina for Flute and Piano
Strepitus festivi for Four French Horns
Tibia fugitiva
Toccata chromatica
Variations on the theme by Bohuslav Martinů
instrumentationvcl solo, pftedescriptionpiano score, solo partpubl.NoR 153price230,- CZK