The Ensemble Inégal unter the lead of Adam Viktora prepared pieces by who “solitaires” of 20^th century music, Benjamin Britten and Bohuslav Martinů. They both found their specific music language in the synthesis of modern and traditional and never fully left the waters of tonality.

Britten’s music is made attractive by its complex yet catchy melodies, inventive harmonies, inimitable charm, and unique atmosphere. A Ceremony of Carols was composed in 1942 on the words of old English poetry. Britten conceived his tribute to old Christmas music as a three-part treble chorus with solo voices and harp, that will be played by Kateřina Englichová at the concert.

From 1934 to 1959, Martinů wrote a total of six choral cycles. They all share a sensitive understanding of the folk texts. Czech Madrigals from 1939 are crystal clear, at once playful and touching, and enchanting in their simplicity. They also have a considerable personal slant. They reflect the composer’s strong response to his intense relationship with Vítězslava Kaprálová, a young and promising composer who was his pupil. His last Madrigals were completed in March 1959. The word “madrigal” in the title of both cycles hints at one remarkable aspect of these vocal jewels: they cleverly combine Czech lyricism with the polyphonic technique of secular English Renaissance vocal music.