I admire this piece tremendously and find it deeply moving . Bleak, dissonant, dramatic, effectively constructed, evocative of the tragic events of Czechoslovakia.
Great performance. This piece has been stuck with me since I performed it with a symphonic band in the early 1970's, visited very troubled Praha with a youth orchestra in 1973, then years later attended its performance by the Dallas Symphony under the baton of Carl Husa, himself. Before taking the podium to begin the performance Husa addressed the audience very politely. He took the opportunity to very emphatically debunk widespread rumors that his composition essentially incorporated musical sound effects to represent the invading Soviet tanks that he witnessed rolling into his city. He told us that the entire piece was composed at its core to capture his profound shock and deep visceral emotional reaction to that Soviet invasion of his beloved country - without other interpretations or meanings attached.
I hope something this profound and important comes out of the current events, pertaining to the current situation in/from the same invading country… music like this, is but a minor fraction as to why music is one of the most historically transcendental human responses to their/our emotional state(s) of being. Thank you to UT Texas (Austin), Dr Junkin, and the members of this ensemble for your interpretation of this piece. I hope you all had a sense of emotional connection, to the piece, the composer, and as to why this piece is so important.
As a long time percussionist,I am very familiar with this masterpiece,composed by the late,Karel Husa.. I played the snare part in both high school and Jr. College symphonic and Woodwind arts ensemble... I have listened to Prague being performed literally hundreds of times since '71-,73 and can state unequivocally,that this interpretation and performance,is the very best that I've heard to date... Absolutely stunning to my ears..
Heard this piece once, on radio, many years ago, & recall being impressed with the Hussite hymn alongside the percussion in the finale. While short, this section seems an appropriate response to oppression even today.
EASILY one if the five most imperative pieces of all 20th Century music. I might even rank it as number two behind Igor Stravinsky's RITE of SPRING. Once this music gets under your skin you will never tire of revisiting it. Also, the entire Husa cannon is highly recommended for innovation and beauty. Thank you, Karel.
I played this music in Japanese junior high school with my trumpet when I was 13 years old.😅 Japanese kids play these kinds of contenpolary music very very very well. If you like this song, it means you should try listening Japanese best school recordings！！
I played this piece under the direction of Husa in 1977. One of the best experiences of my early college days.
He came to our college roughly 1983.. 1984 ..( i think roughly the dates) .. conducted our wind ensemble and premiered his saxophone concerto.
I admire this piece tremendously and find it deeply moving . Bleak, dissonant, dramatic, effectively constructed, evocative of the tragic events of Czechoslovakia.
Great performance. This piece has been stuck with me since I performed it with a symphonic band in the early 1970's, visited very troubled Praha with a youth orchestra in 1973, then years later attended its performance by the Dallas Symphony under the baton of Carl Husa, himself. Before taking the podium to begin the performance Husa addressed the audience very politely. He took the opportunity to very emphatically debunk widespread rumors that his composition essentially incorporated musical sound effects to represent the invading Soviet tanks that he witnessed rolling into his city. He told us that the entire piece was composed at its core to capture his profound shock and deep visceral emotional reaction to that Soviet invasion of his beloved country - without other interpretations or meanings attached.
Thank you for colouring in those details. I'm listening for the first time - by chance, simply because TH-cam brought it to my attention.
@@46metube You are most welcome. TH-cam is wonderful in how it facilitates such discoveries in so many areas. All the very best to you!
I hope something this profound and important comes out of the current events, pertaining to the current situation in/from the same invading country… music like this, is but a minor fraction as to why music is one of the most historically transcendental human responses to their/our emotional state(s) of being. Thank you to UT Texas (Austin), Dr Junkin, and the members of this ensemble for your interpretation of this piece. I hope you all had a sense of emotional connection, to the piece, the composer, and as to why this piece is so important.
I remember doing this with the Portland Youth Wind Ensemble back in 2009 and OH BOY. was this the scariest piece I've done as a 14 year old.
14 oh man
I was there haha. 3rd chair trumpet. It stuck with me too
Impressive to have played it at only 14. I played as a sophomore in music school and found it very challenging. Bravo.
As a long time percussionist,I am very familiar with this masterpiece,composed by the late,Karel Husa..
I played the snare part in both high school and Jr. College symphonic and Woodwind arts ensemble...
I have listened to Prague being performed literally hundreds of times since '71-,73 and can state unequivocally,that this interpretation and performance,is the very best that I've heard to date...
Absolutely stunning to my ears..
Movement 1: 0:00
Movement 2: Aria 6:05
Movement 3: Interlude 11:30
Movement 4: Toccata and Chorale 15:25
As topical as ever. A great performance.
Heard this piece once, on radio, many years ago, & recall being impressed with the Hussite hymn alongside the percussion in the finale. While short, this section seems an appropriate response to oppression even today.
EASILY one if the five most imperative pieces of all 20th Century music. I might even rank it as number two behind Igor Stravinsky's RITE of SPRING. Once this music gets under your skin you will never tire of revisiting it. Also, the entire Husa cannon is highly recommended for innovation and beauty. Thank you, Karel.
Read about this in school so decided to listen! Very good
20:40 when the tuba player realizes he’s right next to the tympani. 😂
20:25
Terrific!
Played that timpani part under Paula Crider on that very stage.
Is that a bass sax? Wow!
I played this music in Japanese junior high school with my trumpet when I was 13 years old.😅
Japanese kids play these kinds of contenpolary music very very very well.
If you like this song, it means you should try listening Japanese best school recordings！！
8:41
19:31
Me when my oligarchy starts succeeding at domestic genocide.
1:32
Very dramatic composition in honor of his Country when Russia invaded in 1968
Great playing...I was just never a fan of this piece
Husa wanted listeners to feel the anguish.
dissonant, great percussion, but ...uh leaves me wanting for melody
Maybe the way the people of Prague longed for their homes in 1968… just a thought😉