The Mystery of Man - Emil Viklický / Václav Havel

1. květen 2009

"Towards the end of the year 2003 the producer Todd Barkan (Jazz at Lincoln Centre) asked me to compose a melodrama for Wynton Marsalis Concert Band based on texts by the Czech ex-president Václav Havel. After a few telephone consultations I agreed with pleasure. The melodrama "The Mystery of Man" was eventually produced on 28th October 2004 on the occasion of the inauguration of Frederick P. Rose Hall in New York. The performances took place on Broadway at 60th Street, i.e. in the very heart of the theatre world. Many celebrities were present at the premiere, including the Mayor of New York City and the UN Secretary General.

The actual production was, however, preceded by several meetings with Václav Havel where we agreed which texts from his extensive output to choose for the libretto. It was also there that the idea to use not only one but two reciters sprung up, which should help achieve more contrast - an essential element of any musical drama.

Parts only for hire at nakladatelstvi@rozhlas.cz

Other compoistions by Emil Viklický published in Czech Radio:
Clarinet Concerto D major
Dark and Vibrant
Double Concerto for Harp, Violin and String Orchestra
Green Satin
Images for Orchestra
Piano Concerto E Major
Tauromaquia
Tristana

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