PAVEL HAAS (1899-1944): Wind Quintet, Op. 10, Suite for Oboe and Piano, Op. 17, String Quartet No. 3, Op. 15.

Description: The 1929 quintet, in its alternation of seriousness and cheerfulness, is quite reminiscent of Haas' teacher Janácek. The latter is still audible in the 1938 quartet but only in its scurrying figures and abrupt conjunctions. The rhythms are more motoric here, the Wenceslas chorale is used in the slow movement and Jewish melodies run through the finale. The poignant and expressive suite was written in October 1939 and its touching and lyrically sad oboe line bears witness to the bleakness of the immediate future. Ensemble Villa Musica.