V. Novák – Memories, Op. 6 (Kameníková)

0:00 – 1. Triste
3:28 – 2. Inquieto
10:05 – 3. Amoroso

By the time Novák entered the piano class of Josef Jiránek at the age of 22, he had already finished his studies of composition with Dvořák. Up to that point he supposedly showed signs of being mostly self taught as a pianist, with almost completely straight fingers, bad arm habits and lack of patience to practice. It is however documented that in 1896 when he graduated from the piano class he was able to successfully play his own piano concerto (not in public though) or Wagner-Liszt Liebestod. The delightful understanding for the instrument at display in Memories op. 6 (1893-1894) seems to be a testimony of his progress as a pianist. Triste is a memory of Novák's unhappy childhood, Inquieto about tribulations and desires of a human soul and Amoroso is a reflection of his young love for Gusta Bacharová. The cycle was originally meant to be concluded by a fourth part, a Bacchanale, but was left out because it was far too different in character from the rest.

Composer – Vítězslav Novák (1870–1949)
Piano – Valentina Kameníková
Year of recording – 1969

Recording license provided by the Czech Radio. Sheet music is public domain.

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