A new album on the Leipzig-based Accentus label showcases the work of three 19th-century composers: Dvořák, Glazunov, and Strauss. The program takes an absorbing look at the concept of a hero, or what makes someone a hero in the eyes of others.
Dvořák's "A Hero's Song" stands out as a powerful piece that weaves together themes of determination, conflict, and ultimately hope. With Hrůša's deft hand at the podium, this 20-minute micro-symphony packs an emotionally charged punch that showcases Dvořák's masterful melodic writing.
Glazunov's "To the Memory of a Hero" is another highlight on this album, composed when the composer was just 20 years old. This elegiac work exudes somberness with two instantly memorable themes that are beautifully shaped by Hrůša and the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra.
In contrast, Richard Strauss's "Ein Heldenleben" – a piece more familiar to listeners than newcomers – begins at a slightly plodding pace. While the orchestra can feel congested when the full force of Strauss's orchestration is unleashed, Hrůša's flexible phrasing brings out the music's more intimate moments, particularly in his portrayal of Strauss's wife and the hero's poignant final retirement.
Overall, this album demonstrates how three generations of composers dealt with the idea of a hero, their works reflecting on themes that are timeless and universal.
Dvořák's "A Hero's Song" stands out as a powerful piece that weaves together themes of determination, conflict, and ultimately hope. With Hrůša's deft hand at the podium, this 20-minute micro-symphony packs an emotionally charged punch that showcases Dvořák's masterful melodic writing.
Glazunov's "To the Memory of a Hero" is another highlight on this album, composed when the composer was just 20 years old. This elegiac work exudes somberness with two instantly memorable themes that are beautifully shaped by Hrůša and the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra.
In contrast, Richard Strauss's "Ein Heldenleben" – a piece more familiar to listeners than newcomers – begins at a slightly plodding pace. While the orchestra can feel congested when the full force of Strauss's orchestration is unleashed, Hrůša's flexible phrasing brings out the music's more intimate moments, particularly in his portrayal of Strauss's wife and the hero's poignant final retirement.
Overall, this album demonstrates how three generations of composers dealt with the idea of a hero, their works reflecting on themes that are timeless and universal.
just listened to this new accentus album and i gotta say, its totally underrated 
. dvořák's 'a hero's song' gives me chills every time, so emotive and powerful 
. glazunov's piece is super haunting too, somberness all over the place 
. but what really gets me is how Strauss's music can be both grandiose and intimate at the same time 
️. it's like he's poking fun at his own hero complex or something 
. anyway, if you haven't checked out this album yet, you gotta give it a listen ASAP 
anyways glazunov's "To the Memory of a Hero" is super deep too i mean who writes somber music @ 20 lol thats like me trying to cook ramen n everything 
And don't even get me started on the interface... I mean, I know this is a classical music website and all, but c'mon! 
it's so inspiring to see how some of these old composers' works can still make you feel all the emotions 
especially Dvořák's "A Hero's Song" it's like, really intense and hopeful at the same time 
I wish we did more performances of modern orchestral stuff in school though, would be so cool 
I'm really loving this new album on Accentus label! The way Hrůša brings out the emotional depth in Dvořák's "A Hero's Song" is just masterful 
. But what really stood out for me was Strauss's "Ein Heldenleben", I mean, it's not every day you get to hear the nuances in his music that you don't usually pick up on 
. It's like Hrůša is speaking a secret language between the notes and the orchestra 
. Anyway, this album is giving me major feelings about what makes us human and our perceptions of heroism... 
dvořák's 'hero's song' sounds powerful though, i'd love to hear it performed live 
dvořák's "A Hero's Song" is giving me CHILLS every time 
what i love most about this album is how it explores the concept of heroism through different perspectives... it's not just about grand heroic moments, but also about vulnerability and introspection 
. The way Dvořák's "A Hero's Song" just takes over is insane, I mean, the emotions in that piece are so intense it gives me chills every time 
. And Glazunov's work, oh man, it's like he's trying to tell a story without using words, you know? The way Hrůša conducts it all feels super authentic 
. It's cool to see how their ideas of a hero changed over time too. I'm definitely gonna listen to this again and explore more of these composers' music 
. And Glazunov's "To the Memory of a Hero" is just hauntingly beautiful - the two themes he wrote are etched in my mind forever 
. And it's cool to see how Hrůša helps to highlight Strauss's more intimate moments - I was totally immersed in that piece