Slovak State Philharmonic Košice | Symphony No. 4

Thursday 5 February 2026, 7.00 pm
Concert Hall of the House of Arts, Košice, Slovakia

Alexander MOYZES: Violin Concerto, Op. 53
Bohuslav MARTINŮ: Symphony No. 4, H 305

Slovak State Philharmonic Košice
Ondrej Olos (conductor)
Milan Paľa (violin)

The concert Paľa Plays Moyzes brings together two major orchestral works of European music of the 20th century. Slovak violinist Milan Paľa performs Alexander Moyzes’s Violin Concerto, Op. 53, a composition of strong lyrical and dramatic character in which virtuosic writing is combined with rich orchestral colour. The second half of the evening is devoted to Martinů’s Symphony No. 4, one of the key works of the composer’s American period.

Like Brahms, Bohuslav Martinů began composing symphonies at a mature age, when he was already a well-known composer, during World War II. His Symphony No. 4 was composed in 1945 and combines a joyful character with the feelings of a person on the threshold of peace. The character of the work is often compared to the world of Dvořák's symphonies, although none of Martinů's other symphonies repeat the spontaneous freshness and pure Slavic temperament that radiates from this work.

The symphony is heralded by a bright three-note introductory motif and a distinctive theme, through which the composer achieves a youthful, spirited joy. The dance section is based on a wild scherzo with a contrasting lyrical middle section. The third movement, a slow Largo, is in sharp contrast, intricately layered, deeply contemplative and meditative. The final Poco allegro then crowns the composition with its enthusiasm and verve, in a dance-like and majestic spirit.

More information: https://www.sfk.sk/podujatie/pala-hra-moyzesa