Composer Jan Novak's haunting choral rendition of Vergil's ancient poetry commences with the voice of Dido the queen, foreshadowing a tragic tale of love and duty. Widely acclaimed in Europe, Novak's Dido and Mimus Magicus is now available to American audiences in a CD recording and a 3-language libretto.
Novak, a student of Bohuslav Martinu, was fascinated by the sound and rhythm of Latin poetry. His Dido brings the sound and fury of Vergil into the home, the classroom and the symphony hall.
Reviews
Here is a powerful poetic utterance set to convincing music, brought to life by Maestro Kubelik. This is no academic exercise — it is full of fire, stress and human emotion!
Gerald Kemner, Professor of Composition, UMKC Conservatory of Music
The highlight of the performance is Marilyn Schmiege's superb interpretation of the very demanding role of Dido. A release of special merit that deserves a place in any collection of twentieth-century music and an unusual opportunity to experience the work of this little known and powerful composer.
Thomas L. Noblitt, Indiana University
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