Daniel Matejča: Fišer, Martinů, Suk

The Strad Issue: August 2025

Description: A highly individual duo makes a memorable recording debut

Musicians: Daniel Matejča (violin) Jan Schulmeister (piano)

Works: Fišer: The Hands. Martinů: Czech Rhapsody; Violin Sonata no.1. Suk: Four Pieces for violin and piano

Catalogue number: SUPRAPHON SU43612

This highly talented duo won the Dvořák International Radio Competition and the prize of a commercial recording resulted in this innovatively programmed album. It showcases the range of Czech music from the late Romantic melodic style of Suk to the more astringent expression of Luboš Fišer. The latter wrote The Hands in 1961, and originally entitled it Crux, although he had to suppress the religious implication. Instead, he celebrates working-class women and men, their gestures and communication.

These artists give a rich yet clear rendition, with plenty of passion, intensity and a rhythmically punchy delivery, alternating with lean non-vibrato and pared-away introspection. There are moments where the music hints at softer Romanticism before returning to the charged invective, adeptly negotiated by this duo.

Daniel Matejča offers an impressive range of timbre in Suk’s Four Pieces, with a sure feeling for rubato to bring alive the dramatic narrative in ‘Quasi ballata’. Equally this duo is compellingly charged in the ensuing ‘Appassionato’, with poignant melancholy in ‘Un poco triste’.

Martinů’s edgy cross rhythms are alertly characterised in both works, with idiomatic, perceptive and strongly characterised interpretation. Matejča and Schulmeister evoke a natural melodic line within these changing metres, yet allow the fervour to cool in more reflective moments, all delivered with brilliant virtuosity. Impressive.

JOANNE TALBOT