JULIUS FUČÍK (1872-1916): Marinarella, Op. 215, Onkel Teddy, Op. 239, Danube Legends, Op. 233, Die lustigen Dorfschmiede, Op. 218, Der alte Brummbär, Op. 210, Einzug der Gladiatoren, Op. 68, Miramare, Op. 247, Florentiner, Op. 214, Winterstürme, Op. 184 (orch. Pavel Stanek [b.1927]), Hercegovac, Op. 235, Die Regimentskinder, Op. 169, Ballettratten, Op. 226, The Mississsippi River, Op. 160, Unter der Admiralsflagge, Op. 82 (orch. Jerome Cohen [b.1936]).

Description: This mix of marches and waltzes also includes two items labeled “concert overtures” where, especially in the 11-minute Marinarella, one is reminded that Fučík was a student of Dvorák at the Prague Conservatory. There are other works with hints of Slavic folk music and the only polka here - Der alte Brummbär - has a part for solo bassoon (the composer’s own instrument) while two anvils participate in “The Merry Blacksmiths”. Given that only two items bear “orchestration” credits, we assume that this is a large slab of original orchestral (as opposed to military band) Fučík; and at 79:56 worth, value for the money! Royal Scottish National Orchestra; Neeme Järvi.