This unique listing of Viktor Kalabis’s compositions aims to stimulate musicians to learn more about his music, and so encourage recordings and performances. The Foundation supports performances and can provide scores and further information on all of the works.
Op. 1, Poučení synovské, (1947)
Op. 2, Piano Sonata No. 1, dedicated “To my dear mother” (1947) 13:00
Op. 3, Concerto for Chamber Orchestra “Hommage a Stravinskij”, 3 movts., (1948) 16:00. Score – ČHF
OP. 4, Sonata, 2 movts., (1948) 17:00. Score – PA, Schott
OP. 5, “Bird’s Weddings” (Ptaćĺ svatby). Cycle of songs for tenor and piano to folk poetry, (1949) 12:00. Score – Pa
U.S. Premiere, November 20, 2008, Washington Musica Viva, at the Embassy of the Czech Republic
Op, 6, String Quartet No. 1, (1949) 20:00
Op. 7, Ouvertura pro velký orchestra, (1950)
Op. 8, Concerto for violoncello and orchestra, 3 movts., (1951). 35:00. Score – Eds
Op. 9, Suita for orchestra “Festival of Straznice”, 5 parts, (1953) 28:00. Score – ČHF
Op. 10, Divertimento for Wind Quintet, 5 parts, (1952) 17:00. Score – čHF, Record – Su.
Op. 11, Suite for Oboe and Piano “Bagpiper”, (1953), 15:00. Score – Eds
Op. 12, Concerto for piano and orchestra No. 1, (1954) 20:00. Score – Pa. Record – Su
Op. 13, Classical Nonet, 4 movts., (1956) 20:00. Score – ČHF
Op. 14, Symphony No. 1, (1957) 36:00. Score – Eds
Op. 15, Children Songs with piano accompaniment, 6 parts, (1958) 12:00, Score – Eds
Op. 17, Concerto for violin and orchestra No. 1, (1959) 21:00. Score – Eds, Record – Su
Op. 18, Symphony No. 2 “Sinfonia pacis”, (1961) 27:00. Score – Eds, Record – Su, CDM
Op. 19, String Quartet No. 2, (1962) 20:00. Score – Eds, Record – Su
Op. 20, Six Two-Voice Canonic Inventions for Harpsichord, (1962) 13:00. Score – Schott, Pa, Record – Su
Op. 21, Chamber Music for String, (1963) 17:00. Score – Pa, Schott, Record – Su
Op. 22, Symphonic Fresco for organ (Afresco sinfonico), (1963) 09:00. Score – PA
Op. 23, Album of Folksongs with piano, 20 songs, 30:00.
Op. 24, Symphonic Variations, (1964) 12:00. Score – PA, Schott, Record – Su
Op. 25, Concerto for large orchestra, 4 movts., (1966) 36:00. Score – Pa, Schott, Record – Su
Op. 26, Accents, cycle of piano studies of interpretation, (1967) 8 parts, 18:00. Score – Eds, Record – Su
Op. 27, Small Chamber Music for Wind Quintet, 3 movts., (1967) 11:00. Score – Eds, Record – Su, Pa
Op. 28, Sonata for violin and harpsichord, 3 movts., (1967) 15:00. Score- Eds, Record – Su
Op. 29, Sonata for cello and piano, 3 movts., (1968-9) 18:00. Score – Pa, Schott, Record – Pa
Op. 30, Sonata for clarinet and piano, 3 movts., (1969) 18:00. Score – Pa, Record – Pa
Op. 31, Variations for French horn and piano, (1969) 8:00. Score – Schott, Eds, Record – Su
Op. 32, Sonata for trombone and piano, 2 movts., (1970) 15:00. Score – Schott, Record – Su
Op. 33, Symphony No. 3, (1971) 25:00. Score – Pa, Schott, Record – Pa, CDM
U.S. Stamford, Connecticut Premiere by Stamford Symphony Orchestra, April 25, 1999
Germany, Münster premiere by the Dresdner Staatskapelle, 1972
Op. 34, Symphony No. 4, (1972) 23:00. Score – Eds, Record – Su
Czech, Prague premiere by Czech Philharmonic, 1975,
Premiered by the Dresdner Staatskapelle, 1975
Op. 35, Three Pieces for Flute, (1973) 08:00. Score – PA / Schott, Record – Pa
Op. 36, Concerto for trumpet and orchestra (“Le Tambour de Villevielle”), 3 movts., (1973) 16:00 Score – Eds, Record – Su
Op. 37, Songs for Little Children (with piano) 05:00. Score – ČHF
Op. 38, 5 Romantic Love Songs to words by R.M.Rilke for high voice and strings (1973) 18:00. Score – ČHF, record – Su
Op. 39, Trio for Violin Cello and Piano, (1974) 15:00. Score – Eds, Record – Su
U.S. Premiere, November 20, 2008, Washington Musica Viva, at the Embassy of the Czech Republic
Op. 40, We Sing a Song with flute and oboe, 5 two- and three-canonic choirs, (1974) 08:00. Score – ČHF
Op. 41, Entrata, Aria e Toccata for piano, 3 movts., (1975) 10:00. Score – Eds
Op. 42, Concerto for harpsichord and string orchestra, (1975) 27:00. Score – Eds, Record – Su
U.S. Washington DC premiere by the Washington Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra performed 7 times, 1994
Op. 43, Symphony No. 5, “Fragment”, (1976) 15:00. Score – Pa, Schott. Record – Pa, CDM
Czech, Prague premiere by Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, 1977
Op. 44, No.2. Nonet “Homage to Nature”, 4 movts., (1976) 22:00. Score – ČHF, Record – Su
Op. 45, “The War” (Vojna) chamber cantata for mixed choir, flute, cimbalom on folk poetry, (1977) 19:00, Score – ČHF
Op. 46, Reminiscences for Guitar Solo (1977) 14:00. Score: Zimmermann, Frankfurt am Main
Op. 47, Three Children Choirs (with piano), (1977) 08:00.
Op. 48, String Quartet No. 3, (1977) 19:00. Score – Pa, Schott, Record – Pa
Op. 49, Concerto for violin and orchestra No. 2, (1978) 16:00. Score – Eds, Record – Su
Czech, Prague premiere by the Czech Philharmonic, 1980
Op. 50, Jarni Píšťtalky (Spring Whistles) Octet for wind instruments, (1979)10:00. Score – Pa
Op. 51, “Dawn”, “Autumn”, Choir (1979)
Op. 52, Three Polkas for piano, (1979) 12:00. Score – Eds, Record – Su
Op. 53, Aquarelles for Harpsichord, 3 parts, (1979) 13:00. Score – ČHF
Op. 54, Two Worlds (Dva světy) Ballet on Lewis Carrol’s “Alice in Wonderland” for large orchestra, (1980) 24:00.
Score – ČHF, Record – Su
Op. 55, Suite for clarinet and piano, 3 movts., (1981) 9:00. Score – PA
Op. 56, Tristium, concertant fantasie for viola and string orchestra, (1981) 11:00. Score – ČHF, Record – CDM
Op. 57, Piano Sonata, No.3, (1982) 20:00. Score – Eds, Record – Su
Op. 58, Sonata for violin and piano, 3 movts., (1982) 15:00. Score – PA, Record – Pa
Op. 59, Fable for chamber orchestra, (1983) 12:00. Score – ČHF, Record – CDM
Op. 60, 2 choirs to words, (1983) 04:00
Op. 61, Concerto for bassoon and wind instruments, 1 movt., (1983) 11:00. Score – ČHF, Record – Pa
Op. 62, String Quartet No. 4 (Ad honorem J.S.B.) (1984) Score – Pa, Schott
Op. 63, String Quartet No. 5 (In Memory of M. Chagall), (1984) 22:00. Score – Pa, Schott, Record – PA
U.S. Premiere, August, 2008, The Lumina String Quartet, The center for the Arts, Stamford, Connecticut
Ukraine, Odessa Premiere, November 2007, The Lumina String Quartet, International Contemporary Music Festival
Op. 64, Concerto for piano and wind instruments No. 2, (1985) 20:00. Score – ČHF
Op. 65, Canticum Canticorum, cantata for mixed choir, chamber orchestra, alto, tenor, (1986) 14:00, Score – ČHF
U.S. Premiere, Sacred Music in Sacred Space, November 17, 2010, New York, NY
Op. 66, Diptych for Strings, (1987) 15:00. Score – ČHF, Record – Pa (Op. 66 was added)
Op. 67, Duettina for violin and cello, 4 movts., (1987) 08:00
Op. 68, String Quartet No. 6 “In Memory of B. Martinu”, (1987) 15:00. Score – Eds, Record – Pa
Op. 69, Incantation For 13 Wind Instruments, (1988) 10:00. Score – Compusic Amsterdam
Op. 70, Carousel of Life (Kolotoč živvota). Cycle of songs for low voice and piano on words by R. M. Rilke, (1989) 10:00
Op. 71, Four Enigmas for Graham, (1989) 08:00
Op. 72, Strange Pipers (1990), (2 ob, 2 bns, 2 eng hns, cbn) 10:00, Score – Compusic Amsterdam
Op. 73, Four Images for flute and harpsichord, 4 movts., (1991) 16:00. Score – PA
Op. 74, Hallelujah for violin and piano, (1991) 5:00. Record – Pa
Op. 75, Preludio, Aria e Toccata for Harpsichord Solo, “I casi di Sisyphos”, (1992) 10:00. Score – PA/Schott
Op. 76, String Quartet No. 7, (1993). 14:00
Op. 77, Dialogues, for violoncello and harpsichord, 4 movts., (1993) 14:00
Op. 78, Fantasie for oboe and piano, (1995) 10:00
Op. 79, Duettina for cello and double bass, 3 movts., (1994), 07:00
Op. 80, “Tempting” for flute solo, (1985), 10:00, Score – PA, Schott
Op. 81, Znělka pro lyru Pragnensis/Seifert, 1996
op. 82, Ludus for piano quartet, (1996) 8:00. Score – Schott
U.S. Premiere, November 20, 2008, Washington Musica Viva, at the Embassy of the Czech Republic.
Op. 83, Three Monologues for Cello Solo, (1996) 11:00. PA
Op. 84, Sonata for viola and piano, 1 movt. (1997) 10:00
Op. 85, Capriccio for Two Violins and Piano (1998)
Op. 86, Rondo Drammatico for cello solo (1999) 4:40. Schott
Op. 87, Impressions for two clarinets, 3 movts., (1999). PA .
U.S. Premiere, the Lumina String Quartet, 2008, Stamford, Connecticut
Op. 88, Toccatas for piano (1999). PA/Schott
Op. 89, Allegro impetuoso for piano (1999). PA/Schott
Op. 90, French horn Invocation for French horn solo (2000). Schott, Eds
Op. 91, Small Suite for two bassoons, 3 movts., (2000). PA
Op. 92, Couples for two flutes, 3 movts.,(2003). The last work of Viktor Kalabis, PA
Publishers:
ČFH – Materials for hire are available at Czech Music Fund
Hire Library, Radlická 99, 150 00 Praha 5
Eds – Editio Suparaphon, Chopinova 4, 120 00 Praha 2
CDM – Le chant du Monde – Harmonia Mundi
Pa – Panton International Praha (sheet music)
Pa – Panton (recordings)
Su – Supraphon Records – Bonton Music
Schott – Schott Music Publishing
Compositions for Large Orchestra
Symphony No. 1, Op. 14, (1957) 36:00. Score – Eds
Symphony No. 2 “Sinfonia pacis”, Op. 18, (1961) 27:00. Score – Eds, Record – Su, CDM
Symphonic Variations, Op. 24, (1964) 12:00. Score – PA, Schott, Record – Su
Concerto for large orchestra, 4 movts., Op. 25, (1966) 36:00. Score – Pa, Schott, Record – Su
Symphony No. 3, Op. 33, (1971) 25:00. Score – Pa, Schott, Record – Pa, CDM
U.S. Stamford, Connecticut Premiere by Stamford Symphony Orchestra, April 25, 1999
Germany, Münster premiere by the Dresdner Staatskapelle, 1972
Symphony No. 4, Op. 34, (1972) 23:00. Score – Eds, Record – Su
Czech, Prague premiere by Czech Philharmonic, 1975,
Premiered by the Dresdner Staatskapelle, 1975
Symphony No. 5, “Fragment”, Op. 43, (1976) 15:00. Score – Pa, Schott. Record – Pa, CDM
U.S. Washington DC premiere by the Washington Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra performed 7 times, 1994
Compositions for Chamber or String Orchestra
Concerto for Chamber Orchestra “Hommage a Stravinskij”, 3 movts., Op. 3, (1948) 16:00. Score – ČHF
Chamber Music for String, Op. 21, (1963) 17:00. Score – Pa, Schott, Record – Su
Fable for chamber orchestra, Op. 59, (1983) 12:00. Score – ČHF, Record – CDM
Diptych for Strings, Op. 66, (1987) 15:00. Score – ČHF, Record – Pa
Suita for orchestra “Festival of Straznice”, 5 parts, Op. 9, (1953) 28:00. Score – ČHF
Classical Nonet, 4 movts., Op. 13, (1956) 20:00. Score – ČHF
Instrumental Concertos
Concerto for violoncello and orchestra, 3 movts., Op. 8, (1951). 35:00. Score – Eds
Concerto for piano and orchestra No. 1, Op. 12, (1954) 20:00. Score – Pa. Record – Su
Czech, Prague premiered 1957, The Prague Spring Festival by Prague Chamber Orchestra
Soviet Union, Moscow premiered, 1957 by All Union Radio and Television Symphony Orchestra
Concerto for violin and orchestra No. 1, Op. 17, (1959) 21:00. Score – Eds, Record – Su
Concerto for trumpet and orchestra (“Le Tambour de Villevielle”), Op. 36, (1973) 16:00. Score – Eds, Record – Su
Concerto for harpsichord and string orchestra, Op. 42, (1975) 27:00. Score – Eds, Record – Su
US, Washington DC premiere by the Washington Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra performed 7 times, 1994
Concerto for violin and orchestra No. 2, Op. 49, (1978) 16:00. Score – Eds, Record – Su
Czech, Prague premiere by the Czech Philharmonic, 1980
Tristium, concertant fantasie for viola and string orchestra, Op. 56, (1981) 11:00. Score – ČHF, Record – CDM
Concerto for bassoon and wind instruments, 1 movt., Op. 61, (1983) 11:00. Score – ČHF, Record – Pa
Concerto for piano and wind instruments No. 2, Op. 64, (1985) 20:00. Score – ČHF
String Quartets
String Quartet No. 1, Op, 6, (1949) 20:00
String Quartet No. 2, Op. 19, (1962) 20:00. Score – Eds, Record – Su
String Quartet No. 3, Op. 48, (1977) 19:00. Score – Pa, Schott, Record – Pa
String Quartet No. 4 (Ad honorem J.S.B.) Op. 62, (1984) Score – Pa, Schott
String Quartet No. 5 (In Memory of M. Chagall), Op. 63, (1984) 22:00. Score – Pa, Schott, Record – PA
U.S. Premiere, August, 2008, The Lumina String Quartet, The center for the Arts, Stamford, Connecticut
Ukraine, Odessa Premiere, November 2007, The Lumina String Quartet, International Contemporary Music Festival
String Quartet No. 6 “In Memory of B. Martinu”, Op. 68, (1987) 15:00. Score – Eds, Record – Pa
String Quartet No. 7, Op. 76, (1993). 14:00
Compositions for Various Wind Ensembles
Divertimento for Wind Quintet, 5 parts, Op. 10, (1952) 17:00. Score – čHF, Record – Su.
Small Chamber Music for Wind Quintet, 3 movts., Op. 27, (1967) 11:00. Score – Eds, Record – Su, Pa
Nonet “Homage to Nature”, 4 movts., Op. 44, No.2. (1976) 22:00. Score – ČHF, Record – Su
Jarni Píšťtalky (Spring Whistles) Octet for wind instruments, Op. 50, (1979)10:00. Score – Pa
Incantation For 13 Wind Instruments, Op. 69, (1988) 10:00. Score – Compusic Amsterdam
Strange Pipers, Op. 72, (1990), (2 ob, 2 bns, 2 eng hns, cbn) 10:00, Score – Compusic Amsterdam
Impressions for two clarinets, 3 movts., Op. 87, (1999). PA .
U.S. Premiere, the Lumina String Quartet, 2008, Stamford, Connecticut
Small Suite for two bassoons, 3 movts., Op. 91, (2000). PA
Couples for two flutes, 3 movts., Op. 92, (2003). The last work of Viktor Kalabis, PA
Compositions for Chamber Ensemble with Piano
Trio for Violin Cello and Piano, Op. 39, (1974) 15:00. Score – Eds, Record – Su
U.S. Premiere, November 20, 2008, Washington Musica Viva, at the Embassy of the Czech Republic.
Small Suite for two bassoons, 3 movts., Op. 91, (2000). PA
Ludus for piano quartet, Op. 82, (1996) 8:00. Score – Schott
U.S. Premiere, November 20, 2008, Washington Musica Viva, at the Embassy of the Czech Republic.
Capriccio for Two Violins and Piano Op. 85, (1998)
Duo with Piano
Suite for Oboe and Piano “Bagpiper”, Op. 11, (1953), 15:00. Score – Eds
Sonata for cello and piano, 3 movts., Op. 29, (1968-9) 18:00. Score – Pa, Schott, Record – Pa
Sonata for clarinet and piano, 3 movts. , Op. 30, (1969) 18:00. Score – Pa, Record – Pa
Variations for French horn and piano, Op. 31, (1969) 8:00. Score – Schott, Eds, Record – Su
Sonata for trombone and piano, 2 movts., Op. 32, (1970) 15:00. Score – Schott, Record – Su
Suite for clarinet and piano, 3 movts., Op. 55, (1981) 9:00. Score – PA
Sonata for violin and piano, 3 movts., Op. 58, (1982) 15:00. Score – PA, Record – Pa
Hallelujah for violin and piano, Op. 74, (1991) 5:00. Record – Pa
Sonata for viola and piano, 1 movt. Op. 84, (1997) 10:00
Fantasie for oboe and piano, Op. 78, (1995) 10:00
Duos with Harpsichord
Sonata for violin and harpsichord, 3 movts., Op. 28, (1967) 15:00. Score- Eds, Record – Su
Four Images for flute and harpsichord, 4 movts., Op. 73, (1991) 16:00. Score – PA
Dialogues, for violoncello and harpsichord, 4 movts., Op. 77, (1993) 14:00
Duos for Strings
Duettina for violin and cello, 4 movts., Op. 67, (1987) 08:00
Duettina for cello and double bass, 3 movts., Op. 79, (1994) 07:00
Piano Compositions
Piano Sonata No. 1, dedicated “To my dear mother”, Op. 2, (1947) 13:00
Sonata, 2 movts., OP. 4, (1948) 17:00. Score – PA, Schott
Accents, cycle of piano studies of interpretation, Op. 26, (1967) 8 parts, 18:00. Score – Eds, Record – Su
Entrata, Aria e Toccata for piano, 3 movts., Op. 41, (1975) 10:00. Score – Eds
Three Polkas for piano, Op. 52, (1979) 12:00. Score – Eds, Record – Su
Piano Sonata, No.3, Op. 57, (1982) 20:00. Score – Eds, Record – Su
Four Enigmas for Graham, Op. 71, (1989) 08:00
Toccatas for piano Op. 88, (1999). PA/Schott
Op. 89, Allegro impetuoso for piano (1999). PA/Schott
Harpsichord Compositions
Six Two-Voice Canonic Inventions for Harpsichord, Op. 20, (1962) 13:00. Score – Schott, Pa, Record – Su
Aquarelles for Harpsichord, 3 parts, Op. 53, (1979) 13:00. Score – ČHF
Preludio, Aria e Toccata for Harpsichord Solo, “I casi di Sisyphos”, Op. 75, (1992) 10:00. Score – PA/Schott
Compositions for Other solo Instruments
Symphonic Fresco for organ (Afresco sinfonico), Op. 22, (1963) 09:00. Score – PA
Three Pieces for Flute, Op. 35 (1973) 08:00. Score – PA / Schott, Record – Pa
Reminiscences for Guitar Solo, Op. 46, (1977) 14:00. Score: Zimmermann, Frankfurt am Main
“Tempting” for flute solo, Op. 80, (1985), 10:00, Score – PA, Schott
Three Monologues for Cello Solo, Op. 83, (1996) 11:00. PA
Rondo Drammatico for cello solo, Op. 86, (1999) 4:40. Schott
French horn Invocation for French horn solo, Op. 90, (2000). Schott, Eds
Vocal Compositions
“Bird’s Weddings” (Ptaćĺ svatby). Cycle of songs for tenor and piano to folk poetry, OP. 5, (1949) 12:00. Score – Pa
U.S. Premiere, November 20, 2008, Washington Musica Viva, at the Embassy of the Czech Republic.
5 Romantic Love Songs to words by R.M.Rilke for high voice and strings, Op. 38, (1973) 18:00. Score – ČHF, record – Su
“The War” (Vojna) chamber cantata for mixed choir, flute, cimbalom on folk poetry, Op. 45, (1977) 19:00, Score – ČHF
Canticum Canticorum, cantata for mixed choir, chamber orchestra, alto, tenor, Op. 65, (1986) 14:00, Score – ČHF
U.S. Premiere, Sacred Music in Sacred Space, November 17, 2010, New York, NY
Carousel of Life (Kolotoč živvota). Cycle of songs for low voice and piano on words by R. M. Rilke, Op. 70, (1989) 10:00
Children Songs with piano accompaniment, 6 parts, Op. 15, (1958) 12:00, Score – Eds
Album of Folksongs with piano, 20 songs, Op. 23, 30:00.
Songs for Little Children with piano, Op. 37, 05:00. Score – ČHF
We Sing a Song with flute and oboe, 5 two- and three-canonic choirs Op. 40, (1974) 08:00. Score – ČHF
Three Children Choirs (with piano), Op. 47, (1977) 08:00.
Stage Works – Ballet
Two Worlds (Dva světy) Ballet on Lewis Carrol’s “Alice in Wonderland” for large orchestra, Op. 54, (1980) 24:00.
Score – ČHF, Record – Su
Fable for chamber orchestra, Op. 59, (1983) 12:00. Score – ČHF, Record – CDM
Other works
Op. 1, Poučení synovské, (1947)
Op. 7, Ouvertura pro velký orchestra, (1950)
Op. 81, Znělka pro lyru Pragnensis/Seifert, 1996
Note:
ČFH – Materials for hire are available at Czech Music Fund
Eds – Editio Suparaphon
CDM – Le chant du Monde – Harmonia Mundi
Pa – Panton International Praha (sheet music)
Pa – Panton (recordings)
Su – Supraphon Records – Bonton Music
Schott – Schott Music Publishing
Viktor Kalabis Complete Works
| Year | Category | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Symphony | Symphony No. 1, Op. 14, 36′, EPB (1956-7) | This symphony opens a new era in Kalabis’s work. He dedicated it to his parents, but also, through the anagram “H-Re-A-D-E-C” to his beloved town Jindrichuv Hradec. The alleged citation of the choral to St. Wenceslas was very much used against this work and made further performances impossible. Now this remarkable work stands in the shadow of his later, much better known symphonies and symphonic works. | |
| Symphony | Symphony No. 2 “Sinfonia pacis”, Op. 18, 27′, EPB (1961-2) | This is one of Kalabis’s most famous compositions. The Caribbean crisis with humanity on the brink of atomic war, shook his as it shook all of the world. The menacing quiet of the opening Passacaglia, the blind furiosity of the Scherzo the dirge of the slow movement is followed in the Finale by an unfinished, slowly deconstructed Fugue form which, over clanging of bells, a simple children’s ditty evolves. Sergiu Celibidache pronounced the work “one of the greatest Symphonies of the 20th century”. Critics in the western world were enthusiastic, the Wiener Zeitung for example called it “…half prayer, half apocalypse…”. Only between 1963-1971 it was played in Warsaw, Graz Festival, Vienna, Dresden, Budapest, Durban, Munster, Reykjavik, Adelaide and finally by the Berlin Philharmony. In this work Kalabis for the first time consciously uses the quintola of repeated notes, which in his works is a symbol of death. | |
| Symphony | Symphony No. 3, Op. 33, 25′, Schott (1970-71) | The culminating work of the epoch immediately reflecting the times of the so-called Normalization. Its best characterization, maybe, comes in the review: “It was a poignant expression of human suffering by a first-class composer who possibly has created on of the most moving works of our time. One listened with tears in the eyes. How many contemporary works can produce this emotion?” – The Advocate & Greenwich Times, John Sweeney, 2.5.1999, USA. | |
| Symphony | Symphony No. 4, (1972) Op. 34, 23′, EBP | Commissioned by Staatskapelle Dresden & Herbert Blomstedt. The formal conception of the Dramma is complex, with several culminations, the harmony in places almost spectral, then highly charged, stormy and aggressive and again humble and quiet. The trumpets keep warning, the end brings a small ray of light.” – Jiri Pilka. | |
| Symphony | Symphony No. 5, “Fragment”, Op. 43, 15′, Schott (1975-6) | The name of this work consisting of just one movement does not refer to any fragmentary character of the music itself. It is derived from the source of its inspiration, the unfinished “Pieta degli Rondanini” by Michelangelo. Kalabis himself did comment: “The absolute perfection of Moses and David seems unsurpassable and I could not believe that it is possible to arrive at yet greater economy of expression.” All the attention is on the central message, not diluting it in any way. | |
| Symphonic Music | Suita for orchestra “Festival of Straznice”, Op. 9, 5 parts, 28′ – 29′, CHF (1953) | Named after a famous folklore festival, it has been unjustly overshadowed by his other orchestral works, mainly the symphonies. | |
| Symphonic Music | Symphonic Variations, Op. 24, 12′ – 14′, PA / Schott | They were written at the request of V. Neumann for the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. The author commented: “The theme is man — at first guideless, pure, even naive. We don’t know what he is going to become. The first variations see him from outside, then more and more the inside is revealed with all its complications and problems leading to tragedy. It is the ancient Greek Fatum. One of the few of my works where I could not find a catharsis.” Dr. Jiri Pilka, musicologist and Kalabis’s biographer, finds tha tthe work emanates “a controversy between dream and reality… almost Kafkaesque horror.” | |
| Symphonic Music | Concerto for large orchestra, Op. 25, 25′, 4 movts., Schott | Again written for the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, this time at the instigation of Karel Ancerl, who asked for a representative work, which would show the excellent qualities of his orchestra. Though, as Kalabis commented, “smiling through tears”, it is full of luminous virtuosity and infinitely more optimistic than the variations. | |
| Composition for chamber orchestra | Diptych for string orchestra, Op. 66, 15′, Schott (1987) | Kalabis characterizes laconically: “an intimate work, chaste of expression. Less tragic than other works. A study of new sonic possibilities of string ensemble.” The Diptych was chosen by Edward Heath for his concert at the Prague Spring Festival in 1988. | |
| Composition for chamber orchestra | Chamber Music for String, Op. 21, 18′, Schott | Literary News 7.3.1964 writes: “introvert music…a detailed analysis would reveal how many principally new values it reveals and with what security Kalabis handles them.” Sachsisches Tagesblatt, 18.3.1966: “the old and the new seamlessly united…a work of rich meaning…” | |
| Composition for chamber orchestra | Concerto for Chamber Orchestra “Hommage a Stravinskij”, Op. 3, 3 movts., 17′ – 20′, CHF (1948) | “This work, as implied in the title, is a homage, in a way even paraphrasing Stravinski’s heterophony and instrumentation (1st and 3rd movement). The slow movement is more personal, lyrical,” says the author. | |
| String quartets | String Quartet No. 1, Op. 6, 22′ – 24′ | “The quartet with its stupefying Beethovian tensions is a superb discovery.” – Stephan Frierderich (www.quobuz.com, June 2010) | |
| String quartets | String Quartet No. 2, Op. 19, 14′ – 16′ | This work, consisting of a Prologue, Dramma and Epilogue, a form later often used by Kalabis, is dedicated to his father and written under the shadow of his nearing death. | |
| String quartets | String Quartet No. 3, Op. 48, 19′, Schott (1977) | This work is temperamental, full of life, offering some parallels to the inspriations by nature in the Trio and the second nonet. | |
| String quartets | String Quartet No. 4, Op. 62, 12′, Schott (1983-4) | The work bears the dedication “Ad honorem J.S. Bach” but it has yet another source of inspiration, which could not be disclosed at the time. Kalabis mentions the Hamlet monologue but actually it was Shakespeare’s 66th Sonnet, with its passionate accusation of time and society. Bach offers a solution — the eternal, spiritual. | |
| String quartets | String Quartet No. 5 (“In Memory of M. Chagall”), Op. 63, 22′, Schott (1984) | “To be a Jew is a Fate and a way of thinking,” said Kalabis. Setting aside all inspirations by folklore or religious music, Kalabis in this work goes to the very core of Jewish soul. Vitality, tenderness, grief and tears, playfulness alongside deep philosophy, fiddlers playing their hearts out on roofs and in the skies, all this is expressed in this quartet, inspired by Marc Chagall’s paintings “Over Vitebsk” and “The Green Fiddler” and dedicated to him. | |
| String quartets | String Quartet No. 6 (“In Memory of B. Martinu”), Op. 68, 16′ – 17′, EBP (1988) | Dedication: “To the memory of Bohuslav Matrinu”. Kalabis’s commentary: “A sincere affinity and respected inspired this work…there is no citing or paraphrasing of Martinu’s works, nor do I try to emulate his style. It is the sunny, human quality, the genuine purity of both his work and his person, which was at the core of my inspiration.” | |
| String quartets | String Quartet No. 7, Op. 76, 1 movt., 16′ (1994) | Quartets, as their author says, are as important to him as the symphonies, only at a more intimate level. “…A diary, a confessional.” “Fascinating and highly enigmatic, in one movement.” (Diapason, May 2010, under “Discoveries”, Patrick Szersnovicz). | |
| Duos with harpsichord | Sonata for violin and harpsichord, Op. 28, 3 movts., 15′-16′, EBP (1967) | This opus is dedicated to the duo J. Suk and Zuzana Ruzichova who requested it. The work, though only 15 minutes long, is an important one, serious, meant to be played alongside with Bach and Handel, but without any baroque connatations. Dr. Pila takes it to be one of the most substantial in the author’s work. | |
| Duos with harpsichord | Dialogues for violoncello and harpsichord, Op. 77, 4 movts., 10′ – 12′ (1994) | Requested by Janos Starker after a concert with Zuzana Ruzickova in Prague: it is also dedicated to him. According to his wish it is a Divertimento in four parts, three fast, one slow, very colorful, sometimes motoric, sometimes considerably agitated and mainly in its finale written for a virtuoso player obvioulsy with Starker in mind.” | |