Composer's Collection: Karel Husa

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Karel Husa with this comprehensive collection of his most notable works. Released on January 1, 2011, under the GIA WindWorks label, this album spans an impressive 2 hours and 15 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of compositions that showcase Husa's unique musical voice and innovative spirit.

The album opens with the vibrant "Divertimento for Brass and Percussion," a four-movement piece that brims with energy and rhythmic complexity. Following this, "Les couleurs fauves" presents a trio of evocative pieces, each named after different elements of ritual and sound, painting a vivid sonic landscape.

Husa's "Music for Prague 1968" is a poignant and powerful suite, originally composed as a response to the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. It includes a stirring fanfare, an introspective aria, and a triumphant toccata and chorale, reflecting the composer's deep connection to his homeland and its struggles.

The album also features the dynamic "Piano Concertino," a three-movement work that highlights the piano's lyrical and virtuosic capabilities, and the "Concerto for Wind Ensemble," which offers a rich exploration of wind instruments through its three distinct movements.

Additionally, you'll find the dramatic "Apotheosis of this Earth," a three-part composition that delves into themes of grandeur and destruction, and the lively "Smetana Fanfare," a celebratory piece that pays homage to another great Czech composer.

Whether you're a longtime admirer of Karel Husa or a newcomer to his music, this collection provides an excellent opportunity to explore the breadth and depth of his compositions. From the intricate rhythms of his brass and percussion works to the haunting beauty of his more introspective pieces, this album is a testament to Husa's enduring legacy as a composer of profound originality and vision.