On an Overgrown Path

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On an Overgrown Path (Po zarostlém chodníčku) is a cycle of thirteen piano pieces written by Leoš Janáček and organized into two volumes.

Background

Janáček composed all important works for solo piano during 1900-1912[1]. He began preparing a first series of Moravian folk melodies probably in 1900[2]. These melodies provided the basis for the first volume of "On an Overgrown Path." The compositions, intended for harmonium, were first published in 1901[3]. The cycle had grown to nine pieces in 1908, and was properly intended for piano instead of harmonium in that time. The definitive version of the first book was published in 1911[4]. On 30 September 1911 Janáček published the first piece of the second series in the Lidové noviny newspapers. The new series was created in its entirety probably in 1911[5]. The complete second book was printed by the Hudební matice in 1942. The première of the work took place on 6 January 1905 at the Besední dům Hall in Brno.

Structure

Book I

  1. Naše večery - Our Evenings
  2. Lístek odvanutý - A Blown-Away leaf
  3. Pojďte s námi! - Come With Us!
  4. Frýdecká panna Maria - The Madonna of Frydek
  5. Štěbetaly jak laštovičky - They Chattered Like Swallows
  6. Nelze domluvit! - Words Fail!
  7. Dobrou noc! - Good Night!
  8. Tak neskonale úzko - Unutterable Anguish
  9. V pláči - In Tears
  10. Sýček neodletěl! - The Barn Owl Has Not Flown Away!

Book II

    11.  Andante

    12.  Allegretto - Presto

    13.  a. Più mosso

           b. Vivo

           c. Allegro

Less experimental than his later works, these miniatures are reminiscent of Schumann and Grieg, but with the composer's own unique style still evident.

Usage in Popular Culture

Some movements were used in the soundtrack for the movie version of The Unbearable Lightness of Being.

Notes

  1. ^ Score, preface, p. III
  2. ^ Score, preface, p. III
  3. ^ Score, preface, p. III
  4. ^ Score, preface, p. V
  5. ^ Score, preface, p. V

References

  • Program notes by Dr. David Doughty for the two-CD album of Janáček's Piano Works (complete) played by Håkon Austbø (Brilliant Classics 92295)
  • Leoš Janáček: Po zarostlém chodníčku Prague: Editio Bärenreiter, 2006. BA 9502. ISMN M-2601-0365-8

External links

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