From Janacek to Bartok: Jazz Inspirations and Variations at Bohemian National Hall NYC

An afternoon of jazz improvisation and exploration inspired by Czech composer Leoš Janáek and his younger Hungarian contemporary, Bêla Bartók. Hear also original works by the talented Czech-born pianist and composer Antonín Fajt. Featuring a New York-based jazz quartet with piano, bass, drums, and saxophone.

Both Janáek and Bartók were enamored of nature and embraced the folk songs of their native lands, and both broke new ground with their modernist approaches to composition. In a contemporary conversation, Fajt and his fellow musicians combine various elements of folklore traditions of Eastern Europe with jazz and classical composition, providing new perspectives and pleasures.

PROGRAM

Re-interpretations of select compositions from Bartók’s “For Children” (Vol. 1 and 2) and Janáek’s “On the Overgrown Path” works for piano.