These two works make a logical coupling, though they never have been paired before. Indeed, “A Winter’s Tale” seems to be receiving its CD premiere. An early work, Suk hasn’t quite shaken off the influence of his illustrious father-in-law, Dvorák, but this confidently shaped and scored, melodically memorable piece already offers a taste of the composer to come in its darker emotional tone. “A Summer’s Tale” is one of a series of works in which Suk came to terms with the tragic death of his wife. It’s a nature poem on the grandest scale (the last movement, “Night”, is of positively transcendental beauty), and a heartfelt masterpiece that would be better known if it weren’t so horrendously difficult to play. The Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra may not be the Czech Philharmonic, but they undoubtedly know the score, and they acquit themselves admirably. There also is some fine playing from the principal trumpet, as well as from the two English horn soloists in the very Slavic, haunting third movement (called “Blind Musicians”). A fine disc.
