When the Violin Replaces the Soul

The festival’s closing concert will present an extraordinary encounter between music and theater—two stage works that reflect on human weaknesses, temptations, and the absurdity of the world with wit, irony, and deeper meaning.

Igor Stravinsky’s gripping The Soldier’s Tale straddles the line between musical theater and narrative drama. Stravinsky wrote the work in 1918 for an ensemble of seven musicians and an actor—and from this chamber ensemble emerged a work that is still performed today: ironic, urgent, and stylistically multifaceted. Sharp rhythms and the deliberate restraint of the cast create a captivating framework for a timeless story about a soldier who trades his soul—symbolized by a violin—for apparent wealth. In the end, the devil comes to claim his due.

The key role of the narrator, the bearer of the dramatic arc of the entire evening, will be taken on by Martin Myšička—actor and former artistic director of the Dejvické divadlo. His interpretive precision, intelligent perspective, and ability to build tension promise an exceptionally evocative performance. It is precisely the “devil’s violin,” the central symbol of the work, that will be performed by violinist Josef Špaček, whose virtuosity and expressive depth lend the role extraordinary intensity.

The second half of the evening will feature Bohuslav Martinů’s Kitchen Revue—a brilliant and original work described as a one-act jazz ballet, also presented with the subtitle The Temptation of the Saintly Pot, in which kitchen utensils come to life instead of people. Here, Martinů combines jazz inspirations, dance rhythms, and a sense of the grotesque with his characteristic ease. Both works are on the same wavelength—they share a humor with a sharper undertone and require equally precise interplay between music and words.

This is ensured by an exceptional ensemble. Joining Myšička and Špaček will be pianist Miroslav Sekera—Špaček’s regular chamber music partner—clarinetist and director of the Bohuslav Martinů Foundation Irvin Venyš, trumpeter Stanislav Masaryk, cellist Ivan Vokáč, and other top-tier performers. The ensemble will be led by conductor Ondřej Vrabec.