Nikol Bóková - Vítězslav Novák - Ballade "Manfred"

[@martinkarasek570]

Pro mne naprosto fenomenální Muzikantka. Má můj obdiv.🙏

[@rogerknox9147]

Thank you for introducing to me this moving Ballade, by one of Czechie's excellent composers who should be better known here in Canada. Your music is always well-chosen and brings me pleasure. I like the way you keep the sense of a main line going through all the figuration -- very good! Best wishes for a better 2021, and for you and your community to stay safe throughout this Covid which is oppressing your country and mine.

[@nikol_bokova]

Thank you Roger for your kind words! I am very happy about this Novák's piece. He wrote it when he was only 23 years old inspired by the Ballade Manfred by Lord Byron. Many critics consider it as a non-mature piece of him, they like to say that Novák was finding his own compositional language and that he later wrote much more brilliant piano pieces than Manfred. After days, weeks and months I've spent studying this piece deeply and looking for my own truth in it I've found this piece remarkable. It speaks to me. It tells me the story, shows me the passion, uncovers the love as well as sadness, reveals the frailty as well as strength, captures the life, and meets death. And when I play it, when I listen to it, I can feel many things. And I am happy each time when someone else feels something from it as well. Best wishes for 2021 to you too.

[@rogerknox9147]

​@@nikol_bokova I've listened to Novák's Ballade five times now, next will compare it with the poem Manfred. Perhaps the critics have been referring to the influence of other composers like Liszt. But really, the sustained intensity of the piece, the well-paced build-up, with the human emotions and life spirit evoked in only ten minutes make it a remarkable piece as you say. It is as though Novák emerges with his own voice through integrating the musical elements convincingly with his personal passions. I also find it remarkable that your playing, presentation and writing work so well together. Thanks for your reply, I'm ordering the CD!

[@martinmark5100]

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