Suite for Oboe and Piano Op.17

Haas Suite for Oboe and Piano Op.17

With his “Suite for Oboe and Piano” from 1939, Pavel Haas responds to the threatening political situation surrounding him.  The Czech composer of Jewish origin sends a clear statement by quoting the St. Wenceslas Chorale and an excerpt from the Hussite hymn “Ye Who Are Warriors of God”, thereby referencing earlier Czech reformist and revolutionary movements.  In this fifteen-minute suite, the full mastery of the mature composer unfolds — Haas was one of Leoš Janáček’s most gifted pupils.  The melodic writing, shaped by speech rhythms, is reminiscent of his great teacher.  The declamatory oboe part contrasts with the independent, at times percussive piano part.  Together, the two instruments generate great rhythmic energy and expressiveness.

This edition presents the Oboe Suite for the first time in its original form.  Earlier editions by Lubomír Peduzzi (1962, 1993) incorporated alterations to the oboe part made by the work’s first performer, oboist František Suchý.  The editor, Ondřej Pivoda, has completely freed the work from these adaptations, thereby restoring, among other things, the vocal character of the oboe part intended by Haas.  Following the editor’s Foreword are notes by the renowned oboist Juri Vallentin, Professor at the Hochschule für Musik Karlsruhe.

- First Urtext edition

- With a Foreword on the work’s genesis (Cz/Eng/Ger) and a Critical Commentary (Eng)

- With notes on the oboe part (Cz/Eng/Ger) by Juri Vallentin