Sláva Vorlová (1894–1973) was a Czech composer who is a part of the Year of Czech Music, and the Lieder Society decided to present a selection of her song compositions in a beautiful, innovative, and highly commendable concert.
Vorlová composed ninety-two opuses and became a true pioneer of female creativity without any feminist efforts or intentions. „Stesk,“ a cycle of ten songs for alto and piano set to the lyrics of Olga Scheinpflugová op. 13, is a crucial work in Vorlová’s oeuvre as it marked her return to composition. After experiencing a tragic event on May 8, 1945, where her husband Rudolf Vorla and several men from Barrandov were murdered by an SS unit, she distanced herself from life. It was these songs that brought her back to the much-needed sanctuary of her own creativity. The cycle is a work of heightened expression, with poignant and complex emotions, sweet and bitter at the same time, destroying the heart and mind, wandering through an empty house and universe simultaneously. The cycle was completed in August 1946.
From the ten songs in this cycle, Monika Jägerová selected six to perform. Her dramatic vocal expression stood out, especially in the quieter passages, such as in „Smíření“ – „At a table set for two, only one sits, bread moist with tears, wilting flowers…“ The melodies of the songs emerge from the pain accepted and overcome, with the piano at times resembling the colorfulness of an orchestra, enhancing the overall impact of the interpretation. The collaboration with pianist Vojtěch Červenka, a sought-after specialist in piano accompaniment for singers, added depth and empathy to the performance.
„O lásce,“ a cycle of eight songs for middle voice and piano set to Vorlová’s own texts in 1947, showcased the soprano Tamara Morozová’s intimate knowledge of the cycle and her expressive singing. The cycle explores themes of love and longing, with Morozová skillfully conveying the brief dream of a new relationship that never materialized. The cycle’s monolithic nature was effectively conveyed by Morozová’s rich voice and nuanced interpretation.
To diversify the program, „Síla světla,“ a piano composition by Vorlová, was performed by American pianist Katelyn Bouska with expressive flair, enhancing the dance performance it was originally composed for. The evening also featured „Neučesané myšlenky,“ a cycle of aphorisms by Stanislawa Jerzyho Lece set to music for baritone and piano, expertly performed by Roman Hoza.
„Prsten Třeboňské Madoně,“ a cycle of songs for tenor and piano set to the poems of Jaroslav Seifert, was beautifully interpreted by tenor Daniel Matoušek, showcasing his vocal prowess and emotional depth. The evening concluded with „Stručné úvahy,“ a trio of songs for soprano, alto, and piano set to the words of Miroslav Holub, performed with humor and charm by the vocalists and pianist.
The concert was a testament to the Lieder Society’s dedication to promoting the often overlooked genre of song composition. The audience was treated to a memorable and captivating evening of music, showcasing the remarkable talent and creativity of Sláva Vorlová.