Symphonic Variations for Orchestra - Viktor Kalabis

Prague Symphony Orchestra conducted by Miloš Konvalinka.

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Kalabis' Symphonic Variations was composed between June 14 and September 13 of 1964, being commissioned by Václav Neumann for the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. It was premiered on December 16 of that year by said performers.

The author commented: “The theme is man — at first guideless, pure, even naive. We don’t know what he is going to become. The first variations see him from outside, then more and more the inside is revealed with all its complications and problems leading to tragedy. It is the ancient Greek Fatum. One of the few of my works where I could not find a catharsis.”

It begins with a chromatic main theme presented by the flute, which passes to other wood instruments. The variations are fluid and continuous, which makes it hard to analyse the music without a score. The first variations alternate dissonant and dramatic passages with more lyrical ones, infused with rarefied atmospheres and harmonies. One then understands why Dr. Jiri Pilka, musicologist and Kalabis’s biographer, claimed that the work emanates “a controversy between dream and reality… almost Kafkaesque horror.”

The music suddenly turns more forceful and energetic, leading to a dissonant climax in the middle of the work. The style reminds us of Stravinsky at times, who Kalabis held in high regard. Menacing brass chords are contrasted against a sustained string chord, leading us to a lonely passage. A conflicted climax is then reached, as if a struggle had been left unresolved. Static passages marked by timpani are confronted against massive orchestral tuttis. A low-key pizzicati coda ends the work.

Picture: "The Poor Country" (1900) by the Czech painter Max Švabinský.

Musical analysis written by myself. Source: https://bit.ly/3Wlx59P

Unfortunately the score is not available.

Видео Symphonic Variations for Orchestra - Viktor Kalabis канала Sergio Cánovas