I had the opportunity to perform Karel Husa‘s Music for Prague over the weekend with the North Carolina Symphony. I had performed the wind ensemble version with Tempus Fugit and the Duquesne University Wind Ensemble with Mr. Husa conducting years ago, and it was great to come back to the piece.
A few points come to mind as I reflect on the weekend:
1. Karel Husa is a great composer and a skillful, imaginative orchestrator.
2. It was enlightening to hear such positive audience reaction to 20th century music in Raleigh. Thanks to Grant Llewellyn and the NC Symphony for programing this piece.
3. The ability to get to know Karel Husa in the last few years has been an unexpected and awesome opportunity. Mr. Husa retired to Raleigh after teaching for many years at Ithaca College. His granddaughter, Maria Evola, is a member of the first violin section of the NC Symphony and a dear friend of mine. Through Maria, I’ve had the opportunity to sit with Mr. Husa and gain a first hand access to a fascinating period of music history. He’s told stories of conducting premiere performances of Messiaen’s works in Paris with Messiaen himself at the organ. He’s offered insights into Janacek and Bartok from an unparlleled perspective. And, of course, thoughts on his own music – stories about his Third Quartet winning the 1969 Pulitzer Prize among them.
With Milton Babbitt’s passing over the weekend, It’s hard not to spend a little time thinking about all of the musical contributions of Karel Husa.