Description

The reputation of Zdenek Fibich, a Bohemian composer (1850-1900), has often been eclipsed by that of his contemporaries, Bedrich Smetana and Antonín Dvorák. This is unfortunate, as Fibich, despite his early death, significantly contributed to the development of the Czech national style through a diverse array of compositions. He began his musical education with piano lessons from his mother, later attending music school in Prague and the Leipzig Conservatoire, where he honed his compositional skills. After a brief period teaching piano in Paris, he continued his studies under Vinzenz Lachner in Mannheim. Ultimately, Prague became the hub of Fibich's musical endeavors; although he aspired to a position at the Conservatoire, he primarily supported himself through private lessons. His prolific output encompassed various genres, including vocal and chamber music, piano works, orchestral compositions, operas, and melodramas, revitalizing literary recitals with orchestral accompaniment. Notably, his collection 'Moods, Impressions and Reminiscences' Op. 41, composed between 1892 and 1898, serves as a biographical testament to his affection for his pupil Anezka Schulzová, presented in the form of a 'piano diary.' This collection inspired other works, such as the symphonic poem 'In the Evening' Op. 39, created in 1893. Fibich's second theme in this piece draws from the miniature no. 139, 'Lento,' from his piano collection. The violinist Jan Kubelík popularized the melody, known as 'Poème,' from 1908 onward, and it remains a cherished piece in the classical repertoire, with its orchestral arrangement serving as the basis for the Prelude.