Eternal Youth

Kate Molleson follows Janacek’s eventful 70th birthday year.

Leoš Janáček was a true Czech original. He heard music in the way people talk on the streets, loved the local and made it universal - pouring his “speech melodies” into pioneering, devastating operas, and writing some of the most intimate confessionals in instrumental music. His life also came with a major plot twist – after years of toiling away unappreciated, he suddenly found fame in his 60s. Instead of winding down, Janáček revved up. All this week, Kate Molleson explores his maverick spirit, his fierce passions, and the phenomenal flood of inspiration of his twilight years.

Today, Janáček turns 70, with fuss, festivities and adventures abroad (whereas his 60th had been virtually ignored). He claims to feel as young as ever, but in his music, he can’t help being nostalgic.

March of the Blue Birds
Michael Hasel, flute
Hendrik Heilmann, piano

Říkadla - Nursery Rhymes (excerpt)
Cappella Amsterdam
Radio Blazers Ensemble
Daniel Reuss, conductor

Lachian Dances (3. Bellows Dance. 4. Ancient II, 5. Celadna Dance, 6. The Saws)
Filarmonie Brno
Jiří Bělohlávek, conductor

Mládí
Orsino Ensemble
Peter Sparks, clarinet

On the Overgrown Path (No 9 – In Tears)
Thomas Adès, piano

Pohádka – Fairytale
Laura van der Heijden, cello
Jâms Coleman, piano

Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Audio Wales and West