Collegium 1704 Joyfully Performs Myslivecek Concertos and Symphonies

One of the most prominent composers in 18th Century Italy was Czech composer Josef Myslivecek. From about 1763 through 1781 he produced 26 operas, several oratorios, over 50 symphonies, and several violin concertos.

He was also a close family friend to the Mozarts -- Leopold and Wolfgang. The younger Mozart admired Myslivecek's music. Some scholars suggest that Mozart's first violin concerto was modeled closely on Myslivecek's.

That lineage is easy to hear in the program of Myslivecek orchestral music. It features three of his violin concertos, and two of his symphonies.

Solo violinist Leila Shayegh writes, "Our main goal was to show Myslivecek’s music for what it is: still unbound by strict classical form but profound at every moment. I hope our élan and the joy of playing will be audible and will help enrich our present-day understanding of the Classical era."

It is, and it does. The concerti have a lightness and clarity that makes them seem buoyant at times. The solo violin spends a good deal of time in the upper register, with some rather challenging double stops. Shayegh performs with breathtaking dexterity.

Collegium 1704 matches Shayegh in her enthusiasm for these works and carries it forward with the Sinfonia and Ouverture. The 1777 Sinfonia in E-flat major receives its world premiere recording. It and the 1772 Ouverture No. 2 in A major are both three-movement works.

Both show Myslivecek's gift for melody and organization. These works develop their material in true classical style.

The recording quality is exceptional, further adding to the luminosity of the concertos. If you think Haydn and Mozart came out of nowhere, give this album a listen. As Shayegh says, your understanding of the Classical era will be enriched.

Josef Myslivecek
Violin Concertos, Sinfonia & Ouverture
Leila Schayegh, violin
Collegiumn 1704; Václav Luks, conductor
Accent