Libor NovacekPiano[Short Biography] Recognised especially for his interpretations of Liszt, Brahms and Janacek, Libor Novacek’s playing has been compared with that of the great masters such as Brendel, Kempff and Arrau. Libor released two CDs of Liszt in 2006 to outstanding reviews in the classical music press including BBC Music Magazine, International Record Review, Pianonews and others. His third recording of music, by Brahms was selected as the BBC Magazine’s ‘Instrumental Choice’ in August 2008. Libor’s subsequent CD, again featuring works by Liszt received the greatest critical acclaim, including five stars in the Guardian. His concerts have taken him to major festivals and venues worldwide, the Wigmore Hall and the Barbican in London, also Brighton, Three Choirs and Mostly Mozart Festivals. He has played in the USA, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, India, South Africa and most of the European Union. Libor has performed with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, with the Prague Philharmonia, Hamburg Symphony Orchestra, Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, English Sinfonia, European Union Chamber Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and London Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also recorded for Czech Radio and BBC Radio 3. Libor will perform in Holland, Denmark and Germany with tours of Spain, Czech Republic and Italy marking the bi-centenary of Liszt. [Longer Biography] ‘Novacek ….. shows a rare combination of virtuosity and musical intelligence.’ Robert Matthew, International Record Review. Recognised for his interpretations of Liszt, Brahms and Janacek, Libor Novacek’s playing has been compared with that of the great masters such as Brendel, Kempff and Arrau. He is said to possess ‘exceptional poetic verve and inwardness’ (Bryce Morrison, Pianist Magazine). Libor Novacek, first winner of the Landor Records Competition, enjoys a long-term recording contract with Landor Records (UK). He released two CDs in 2006 to outstanding reviews in the classical music press including BBC Music Magazine, International Record Review, Pianonews and others. The CD featuring Liszt’s Années de Pèlerinage – Italie and Mephisto Waltz was Editor’s Choice in Gramophone Magazine, and in October 2007 was awarded the 'Diplôme d’Honneur' by Liszt Society in Budapest. Libor’s subsequent CDs have been highly praised and one released in October 2009, again featuring works by Liszt, received the greatest critical acclaim, including five stars in The Guardian, International Record Review and Pianonews, among others. His concerts and tours have taken him to major festivals, such as the Prague Spring Festival, and venues worldwide: these include regular appearances at the Wigmore Hall and the Barbican in London, and Brighton, 3 Choirs and Mostly Mozart Festivals. He has also played in the USA, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, India, South Africa and most of the Europe, notably in the Czech Republic, Spain and Ireland. Libor has worked with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and performed with the Prague Philharmonia, Hamburg Symphony Orchestra, South Jutland Symphony Orchestra, English Sinfonia, European Union Chamber Orchestra and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra; while 2010 saw his debut with London Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also recorded for Czech Radio and BBC Radio 3. Recent engagements have included the Wigmore Hall in London and in Cambridge. In the 2012 season, in addition to concerts in the UK Libor will be performing in Norway, Spain, the Czech Republic and northern Italy. Extracts from reviews: Many attributes combine to make Novacek's Swiss Année so compellingly beautiful. … As if all this were not enough, Novacek crowns his Années with the Six Consolations in exquisitely lyrical performances of the utmost sincerity." International Record Review 2010 Liszt is red meat for the big beasts of the piano. What makes this recital so arresting is the low-key approach that Libor Novacek takes to the Swiss episodes of Liszt's travel diaries, as well the later, lesser known Consolations…. Softly, reflectively, Novacek portrays a deeper, introspective Liszt, seldom rising above double-forte. Norman Lebrecht 2010 ‘If Brahms himself had been recorded playing his own music, this, I believe, is how it might have sounded: the young Czech pianist Libor Novacek gives these majestic pieces a dazzling sweep and splendour. His formidable technique gives him the assurance he needs to let the music sing, while the almost-too-familiar Intermezzi come out in fresh colours, and the less-often- played Sonata is a revelation. ***** Kevin Harley, The Independent. ‘Novacek, who made his recording debut with works of Janacek and Martinu on Landor Records, has recorded a Liszt programme that outshines everything that has appeared the last few years in this field. De Volkskrant, Netherlands ‘On his second disc for Landor Records, Libor Novacek performs Liszt with an exceptional poetic verve and inwardness. …….his playing is ear-catchingly fresh and vital. Bryce Morrison - Pianist Magazine (Pianist Recommended) Few pianists are equally successful across the entire spectrum of Brahms's output - Katchen, Klein and Lupu spring to mind as notable exceptions to the general rule - which makes Novacek's achievement here all the more impressive. . . . Novacek proves himself a Brahmsian of distinction, with readings of radiant sensitivity and tantalizing understatement. Julian Haycock International Record Review 
Right Click and select Save As to download. |