Programme:
Leoš Janáček: Selection from Hukvaldy Folk Poetry in Songs
Church of Hukvaldy! (traditional)
My Dear Mama (traditional)
At the Mayor’s Meadows (traditional)
Why Do You Stand So Sad, My Guelder Rose? (traditional)
Leoš Janáček: Our Evenings from On an Overgrown Path
Leoš Janáček: Selection from Hukvaldy Folk Poetry in Songs
You Little Church! (traditional)
An Oak Tree in Our Courtyard (traditional)
Leoš Janáček: They Chattered Like Swallows from On an Overgrown Path
Leoš Janáček: Selection from Moravian Folk Poetry in Songs
Love Shining (traditional)
Lover’s Likeness (traditional)
Constancy (traditional)
Leoš Janáček: The Madonna of Frydek from On an Overgrown Path
Leoš Janáček: Selection from Moravian Folk Poetry in Songs
My Lover’s Horses (traditional)
Light Feather (traditional)
Desire (traditional)
Burden (traditional)
Leoš Janáček: The Barn Owl Has Not Flown Away! from On an Overgrown Path
Leoš Janáček: Selection from Moravian Folk Poetry in Songs
Forester (traditional)
Uncertainty  (traditional)
Then and Now (traditional)
Parting (traditional)
Sound Advice (traditional)
Flowers of Love (traditional)
Leoš Janáček: Good Night! from On an Overgrown Path
Leoš Janáček: Musicians from Moravian Folk Poetry in Songs (traditional)
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Bohuslav Martinů: Stepping Round from Three Czech Dances
Bohuslav Martinů: Selection from Songs on One Page
Dew (traditional)
Unlocked by a World (traditional)
The Dream of the Virgin Mary (traditional)
At My Mother’s (traditional)
Bohuslav Martinů: Selection from Songs on Two Pages
Hope (traditional)
The Neighbour’s Stable (traditional)
Bohuslav Martinů: Stomp Dance from Three Czech Dances
Bohuslav Martinů: Selection from Songs on Two Pages
The Night Watchman (traditional)
Secret Love (traditional)
Bohuslav Martinů: Selection from New Chap-Book
The Inquisitive Girl (traditional)
The Cheerful Girl (traditional)
The Request (traditional)
Bohuslav Martinů: Polka from Three Czech Dances
Bohuslav Martinů: Selection from New Slovak Songs
Tell me, tell
What are you doing, Hanka?
Tell me my most beloved
The lass from the white mountain
Whose sheeps are these?
Don’t you trust him
She was digging a well
The folk say
I had a blouse

In the 20th century, composers realised that folk music could play an important role in their search for new compositional solutions. To begin with, they were driven to folk tradition by the Romantic need to establish a characteristic national artistic style rooted in the nation’s essence. The two most important representatives of this period in Czech music were Leoš Janáček and Bohuslav Martinů, both of whom frequently resorted to folk motifs. Friday’s recital in Križevniška Church will explore the folk-inspired songs of these two interesting and, until recently, somewhat overlooked composers. They will be sung by the soprano Martina Janková, who is an established interpreter of operas by Mozart and her performances of works by Baroque composers. She has collaborated fruitfully for many years with the conductor Nikolaus Harnoncourt, who has engaged her for several major operas and oratorios. Christoph Berner, whose broad stylistic range and musical versatility have often been praised by critics, will provide the piano miniatures during the solos, as well as the piano accompaniment to the soprano. Of particular note is his collaboration with the tenor Werner Güra, with whom he has released numerous award-winning recordings on the Harmonia Mundi label.