J. Suk – Moods, Op. 10 (Štěpán)

0:00 – 1. Legend 7:56 – 2. Capriccio 11:19 – 3. Romance 14:55 – 4. Bagatelle 17:13 – 5. Spring Idyll This set of five characteristic pieces was conceived in 1895. Compared to the Fantaisie-Polonaise op.5 or the Piano Pieces op.7, the is looking for deeper expression and more polyphonic structure. The Legend shows Suk’s affinity for monothematicism and the tonality and bloomy melodics are reminiscent of his Song of Love. Capriccio explores virtuoso pianism more typical to Smetana and is in an untraditional key considering its character. Romance is the sophisticated one, unwilling to settle harmonically; Bagatelle is the light hearted part of the set referencing to folk music and the final piece, aside from being hell to play, is one of the most interesting early pieces by Suk for its irregular periods and independent leading of multiple voices in the middle section. (Oldřich Filipovský’s book was partly used as a source) Composer – Josef Suk (1874-1935) Piano – Pavel Štěpán Year of recording – 1975 Upload authorized by Supraphon, sheet music is public domain. Czech piano music playlist –