/concert/ From Janacek to Bartok: Jazz Inspirations and Variations
Schedule
Sun Oct 27 2024 at 04:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
Bohemian National Hall | Manhattan, NY
Advertisement
An afternoon of jazz improvisation and exploration inspired by Czech composer Leoš Janáček and his younger Hungarian contemporary, Bêla Bartók. Hear also original works by the talented Czech-born pianist and composer Antonín Fajt. Featuring a New York-based jazz quartet with piano, bass, drums, and saxophone. Both Janáček and Bartók were enamored of nature and embraced the folk songs of their native lands, and both broke new ground with their modernist approaches to composition. In a contemporary conversation, Fajt and his fellow musicians combine various elements of folklore traditions of Eastern Europe with jazz and classical composition, providing new perspectives and pleasures. The programme includes re-interpretations of select compositions from Bartók’s “For Children” (Vol. 1 and 2) and Janáček’s “On the Overgrown Path” works for piano.
General admission: $30; seniors, students: $20. Tickets may be purchased online through Eventbrite or at the door at the time of the event (cash only).
ANTONÍN FAJT is a pianist and composer, whose work is in developing conversation with multiple traditions of music making, in particular free improvisation, classical composition, jazz, and traditional Eastern European music. Born in the Czech Republic, Antonín’s musical identity is rooted in Moravian and Slovak folklore, particularly in its interpretation in the compositions of Leoš Janáček and Bêla Bartók, but also in the improvisatory languages of Roma folk music and the minimalist rhythms of underground rock bands in the 1980s-90s Czech Republic. After migrating to the U.S. in 2007, Antonín began a deep dive into jazz through a friendship with the great bassist George Mráz. He studied classical composition with Joan Tower at Bard College where he received his BA in music ‘14. He holds a PhD from University of California Irvine, where he studied the ontology of hidden rhythmic structures for improvisers through an intercultural lens in the Integrative Composition, Improvisation, and Technology program ‘23. Themes in his work include the role of folkloric tradition in modern, globalized society; the imagined and real communion between environmental, folkloric, and improvisational musical frameworks; and translation of early 20th century classical music works into compositions for improvisers.
---
Image: "Krajina" (Landscape) painting by Antonin Kroca
This event is organized by the Dvorak American Heritage Association, with support of the Bohemian Benevolent and Literary Association.
Advertisement
Where is it happening?
Bohemian National Hall, 321 E 73rd St, New York, NY 10021-3705, United States,New York, New York, ManhattanEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
