Czech Folk Dance Suite

Pavel Stanék drew inspiration for "Czech Folk Dance Suite" from the treasure of Bohemian folklore. The three-movement suite, however, is not merely a series of folk songs. Stanék uses the typical features and elements of Bohemian folklore to create a new work.

The first movement "Prestissimo" sounds cheerful. The fast tempo and the many changes between double and triple bars give this movement a special energy.

The second movement expresses the tender melancholy of Bohemia's folklore, which is repeatedly interspersed with fine rays of hope. This very expressive movement with the two-part solo parts changing through the registers reminds a little of a pastoral, which gets an additional drama through harmonic changes.

In the third movement "Molto Vivace" the Bohemian temperament sounds in fiery double time. A short, expressive middle section reminds once again of the sentimental side of Bohemian folklore, before the "Czech Folk Dance Suite" finally comes to a brilliant conclusion.

The "Czech Folk Dance Suite" demands from the musicians not only technical skill and precise playing in the fast movements, but also musical expression in the slow parts. Pavel Stanék has created a masterpiece for symphonic wind orchestra of the highest level.