Michael Pospíšil & Barunka, folklore ensemble

Georg Muffat, Johann Caspar Kerll, Johann Caspar Ferdinand Fischer, Johann Sebastian Bach, Johann Jacob Froberger 

Michaela Káčerková - organ by Johann Georg Ignatz Schmidt, 1780 

That the clavichord is a nearly forgotten instrument is quite unjust. It served its role very comprehensively for many centuries, and many of its advantages could not be taken up by newer kinds of keyboard instruments, nor could they be replaced in any commensurate way,
let alone be surpassed. The main reason why pianos and later harmoniums definitively displaced clavichords from people’s homes and salons during the nineteenth century was the general requirement of a louder sound, although a part may have also been played by the newer types of musical instruments being easier to play.

80 pages, format 170 x 230, colour photos
Recommended recording Jaroslav Tůma: A Portrait of the Clavichord F10241
 

CD I The Archdiocesan Seminary in Prague is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the renewal of its activities in Dejvice and the reunion of the Theological Faculty with Prague’s Charles University. This edition of recordings from 1996 and from the present documents the life of seminarians preparing themselves for service in the five Czech dioceses. In the 21st century, the Lord is still approaching young men and calling them to follow him and to serve his kingdom. The music and the singing of the seminary students gives insight into how they are trained—perhaps more effectively than many words of commentary.

CD II contains mostly sacred music ranging from Gregorian plainchant to works by modern composers. You will encounter various musical forms: the concerto, sonata, aria, song, and fugue; there is singing of psalms, motets, and even a love song, and there is also dance music. The recording is therefore a sample of the music that can be heard at the Archdiocesan Seminary in Prague. 

Barbora De Nunes-Cambraia – mezzo-soprano
Karel Untermüller – viola
Martin Kos – violin
Vilém Veverka – oboe
Suk Chamber Orchestra

Musica Florea & Victoria Ensemble 
directed by Marek Štryncl

Marek Štryncl & Musica Florea
Live recording