Šest?k, Zdenêk

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Šestάk, Zdenêk

Šestάk, Zdenêk Czech composer and musicologist; b. Citoliby, near Louny, Dec. 10, 1925. He received training in composition from Hlobil and Krejči at the Prague Cons. (1945–50) and in musicology at the Charles Univ. in Prague (1945–50). In addition to composing, Šest´k devoted much time to researching the musical history of Citoliby and its leading composers of the past, Václav Jan Kopřiva and his son Karel Blažej Kopřiva. Their works, along with other 18th-century composers of the region, are showcased in šesták’s anthology of recordings entitled Hudba citolibskych mistrů 18. stoleti (Music of the Citoliby Masters of the 18th Century, 1968 and 1985). In his own music, šesták has followed the path of Czech modernism without straying from accessible modes of expression.

Works

ORCH .: 6 syms.: (Epitaph, 1961; 1970; 1971; 1973; Chronos, 1978; Eternal Unrest of the Heart, 1979); Sonata sinfonica (1976); Making the Moment Alive (1980); 2 violin concertos (Sursum corda, 1981; John the Violinist, 1985); Viola Concerto, Socratic Meditations (1982). chamber: 9 string quartets (n.d.; n.d.; Akroasis, 1974; Familiar Voice, 1975; Labyrinth of the Soul, 1976; M´cha Variations, 1993; Soliloquia, 1994; Seeking Light, 1996; Sisyfos, 1999); Concertino for Wind Quintet (1964); Divertimento Concertante for 5 Winds (1966); 5 Virtuoso Inventions for Bassoon (1966); Sonata for 2 Clarinets (1967); 3 Metamorphoses for Flute (1968); Musica tripartita for Clarinet (1968); Quintet for 2 Violins, 2 Violas, and 2 Cellos, Concentus musicus (1975); Euterpe for Oboe and Piano (1977); Serenade of Congratulation for Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, and 2 Bassoons (1978); Sonata da camera for 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets, 2 Horns, and 2 Bassoons (1978); Seren´da for 3 Clarinets (1986); Evocationes paschales for Trumpet and Organ (1993); Sonata for Trumpet and Organ, Dies laetitiae (1994); Partita capricciosa for 2 Oboes, 2 English Horns, 2 Horns, and 2 Bassoons (1997); Nonetto for 2 Oboes, 2 English Horns, 2 Horns, 2 Bassoons, and Contrabassoon (1997); Symposium musicum for Chamber Ensemble (1997); Musica bizzara for Bassoon and Piano (1999); Trois pieces for Clarinet and Piano (1999). VOCAL: Fatum for Mezzo-soprano, Bass, Chorus, and Orch., after Sophocles (1983); Queen Dagmar, oratorio for Soloists, Chorus, Organ, and Orch. (1989); sacred and secular cantatas; choruses; song cycles; solo songs.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire