Jiří Válek - VIII Symfonie Hic Sunt Homines Per Soprano E Grande Orchestra IX Symfonie Rinascimente Per Violino Violoncello E Archi

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Review by Todd Fuller

VIII & IX Symfonie by Jiří Válek: A Wild Ride Through Sound If you're into classical music that feels like it's been beamed in from another dimension, Jiří Válek’s VIII Symfonie Hic Sunt Homines and IX Symfonie Rinascimente might just blow your mind. Released back in 1974 under the legendary Czechoslovakian label Supraphon, this album is a masterclass in contemporary classical music—bold, intricate, and dripping with emotion. Let’s zoom in on two tracks that stuck with me long after the needle lifted off the record (yeah, I still use a turntable). First up, there’s “Stile Concitato” from the VIII Symfonie. This piece grabs you by the ears right outta the gate. The soprano vocals of Jarmila Vrchotová-Pátová soar over the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra like a bird caught in an emotional storm—it’s haunting but beautiful at the same time. You can almost picture her standing center stage, pouring her soul into every note while Eduard Fischer conducts like his life depends on it. There’s something raw about how the orchestra swells behind her; it’s not polished perfection—it’s human, messy even, but deeply moving. Then we’ve got “Adagio. Allegro Moderato. Allegro. Presto. Andante,” which sounds more like a rollercoaster ride than a single track title. Honestly, it’s hard not to laugh at how overly ambitious these names are. But don’t let the word salad fool ya—this one’s a knockout. The interplay between violinist Jiří Tomášek and cellist Václav Bernášek is where the magic happens. It starts slow and brooding, like someone pacing around a dark room lost in thought, then BAM—it explodes into a whirlwind of strings and brass. By the time the presto section hits, you’re gripping the edge of your seat wondering if they’ll all make it through alive. Spoiler alert: they do, but damn, it’s thrilling. These symphonies aren’t background music—they demand your full attention. Listening to them feels like stepping into a dream where logic doesn’t apply, but somehow everything makes sense. Maybe it’s the way Válek blends traditional orchestral elements with avant-garde twists, or maybe it’s just the sheer audacity of throwing so many styles into one pot and hoping it tastes good. Spoiler again: it does. What strikes me most about this album is how unapologetically Czechoslovakian it feels. Yeah, sure, it fits within the broader genre of contemporary classical music, but there’s a grit and intensity here that feels rooted in its homeland—a country navigating its own identity during turbulent times. That context adds layers to the listening experience, making it feel less like entertainment and more like a historical artifact wrapped in sound. Final thought? If albums could talk, VIII & IX Symfonie would probably tell you to stop scrolling TikTok and actually listen for once. But hey, maybe that’s what makes it special—it refuses to play nice. Instead, it challenges you, surprises you, and leaves you thinking, “Wait…was that really written in 1974?” Oh, and fun fact: I swear my cat started conducting along with Otakar Trhlík midway through side B. True story.

Download Jiří Válek - VIII Symfonie Hic Sunt Homines Per Soprano E Grande Orchestra IX Symfonie Rinascimente Per Violino Violoncello E Archi
Artist: Jiří Válek
Album: VIII Symfonie Hic Sunt Homines Per Soprano E Grande Orchestra IX Symfonie Rinascimente Per Violino Violoncello E Archi

Table of Contents

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Filename: ji-vlek-viii-symfonie-hic-sunt-homines-per-soprano-e-grande.zip
  • MP3 size: 36 mb
  • FLAC size: 242 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Andante. Recitativo Dramatico. Andante
Adagio. Allegro Moderato. Allegro. Presto. Andante
Stile Mole
Stile Concitato
Stile Temperato

Video

Jiří Válek: Symfonie č. 8 / Symphony No. 8 Hic sunt homines! (1971)
Jiří Válek: Symfonie č. 9 Renesanční / Symphony No. 9 Rinascimente (1971)

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Catalog Numbers

1 10 1569

Labels

Supraphon

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Formats

  • Vinyl
  • LP

Credits

RoleCredit
CelloVáclav Bernášek (tracks: B1-B3)
ConductorEduard Fischer (tracks: B1-B3), Otakar Trhlík (tracks: A1-A2)
OrchestraJanacek Philharmonic Orchestra (tracks: A1-A2), Pražští Komorní Sólisté (tracks: B1-B3)
Soprano VocalsJarmila Vrchotová-Pátová (tracks: A1-A2)
ViolaHubert Šimáček (tracks: B1-B3)
ViolinJiří Tomášek (tracks: B1-B3)

Notes

includes 4 page insert

Barcodes

  • Matrix / Runout: E 2957/H C 1
  • Matrix / Runout: E 2958/L A 1

About Jiří Válek

Czech classical composer and educator. Born 28 May 1923 in Prague (former Czechoslovakia), died 6 October 2005 in Prague. Since late 1950s he was one of leading staff members at , later he also was artistic director. (Note: not to be confused with classical and jazz flutist .)

Real Name

    • Jiří Válek

Name Vars

  • J. Válek
  • Jiri Valek
  • Válek

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know that Jiří Válek's album *VIII Symfonie Hic Sunt Homines Per Soprano E Grande Orchestra IX Symfonie Rinascimente* is a hidden gem of contemporary classical music? Released in 1974 in Czechoslovakia, it blends dramatic soprano vocals, rich orchestration, and intricate string arrangements. The Janacek Philharmonic Orchestra and Pražští Komorní Sólisté bring Válek’s vision to life, creating a sound that feels both timeless and experimental. Tracks like *Stile Concitato* and *Adagio. Allegro Moderato. Allegro. Presto. Andante* showcase his knack for dynamic contrasts. It’s wild to think this masterpiece came out during the Cold War, under the Supraphon label, which was a major force in promoting Eastern European composers to the world.