Leos Janacek (1854-1928) Episode 5 of 5: Final Year First broadcast: Friday 25 July 2014
In the final year of his life, Janácek's love for Kamila Stösslova became ever more obsessive. He wrote letters to Kamila almost every day, and sometimes twice a day. The intense passion he felt for her found its culminating expression in his 2nd String Quartet. Donald Macleod introduces this most personal of his works, together with another of Janácek's best-loved pieces, prompted by the brilliant fanfares of a military band.
00:00 Leos Janacek Vzpominka [Reminiscence] for piano Performer: Rudolf Firkušný. DG449 764-2, DG, 17
00:02 Leos Janacek From the house of the dead [Z mrtveho domu] - Overture Conductor: Sir Charles Mackerras. Orchestra: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. DECCA : 430-375-2, DECCA, 1