Sonata da chiesa II for Flute and Organ - Jan Novák

Both my father and me were fascinated by the acoustic combination of organ ad flute, the confrontation of the somehow mechanical, but rich sound of the organ and the flexible flute sound, dynamically "alive".

Both Novák's Sonatas "da chiesa" (Sonata da chiesa I from the same year is for viola and organ) are not a proof for Novák's religiosity; they rather follow the baroque naming, and, more pragmatically, are related to the fact that organs are mostly found in churches.

The first movement, De avibus caelestibus (On Heavenly Birds), and the last movement, Hallelujah, refer to Novák's lifelong optimistic, “eternal spring” attitude towards human fate. The second movement, De corona spinea (On the Crown of Thorns), is more grave and is permeated with deep spirituality. The first staccati in the flute part represent the stings of the thorns. Here we have all human pain and suffering set in music; but at the same time, more significantly, also their overcoming.” Clara Novakova

Other compositions by Jan Novák published in Czech Radio:
Aeolia for two Flutes and Piano
Capriccio for Violoncello and Orchestra
Capriccio for Violoncello and Orchestra - Piano score
Dido / piano score
Due preludi e fughe per flauto solo
Elegantiae tripudiorum
Elegantiae tripudiorum for Piano
IV Hymni christiani (for Piano and Vocal part ad libitum)
Choreae vernales for Flute and Piano
Choreae vernales for Flute and Guitar
Choreae vernales for Flute, String Orchestra and Harp with Celesta or Piano
Odarum concentus choro fidium
Panisci fistula
Prima sonata for Piano
Rotundelli for Violoncello and Piano
Scherzi pastorali for Clarinet (or Bass Clarinet) and Piano
Sonata brevis for Harpsichord
Sonata tribus for Flute, Violin and Piano
Sonatina for Flute and Piano
Strepitus festivi for Four French Horns
Tibia fugitiva for Flute solo
Toccata chromatica for Piano
Variations on the Theme by Bohuslav Martinů for two Pianos