Štěpán Rak is a renowned Czech guitarist-composer whose vivid, imaginative works have captivated audiences worldwide. Bruce Paine’s album Second Recital for Guitar features Rak’s Three Russian Waltzes, Remembering Prague and Cry of the Guitar.
The Composer
Born in Prague, Štěpán Rak is celebrated for a distinctive voice that blends lyricism, folk colour and daring sonorities with formidable virtuosity. His catalogue ranges from poetic miniatures to concert showpieces, and his performances have inspired generations of guitarists and listeners alike.
Works Featured on Second Recital for Guitar
Three Russian Waltzes
Sankt (Saint) Petersburg - A tribute to the imperial city’s grandeur, evoking palaces, ceremony and the splendour of the Tsars through sweeping melody and elegant dance rhythm.
Kaygorod - A haunting waltz shaped by images of a remote Siberian landscape and a cataclysmic meteor event. Distant “howls” frame explosive chordal bursts, returning finally to a chilling stillness.
Voronez - A weird and macabre concert waltz—playful on the surface, sinister underneath—driving the performer with relentless energy and virtuosic flourishes.
Remembering Prague
Often heard as a signature Rak piece, this lyrical homage to the city pairs beautifully with poetry about Prague by Czech writer Vítězslav Nezval in the composer’s own performances, mingling nostalgia, pride and quiet radiance.
Cry of the Guitar
A moving tribute to Federico García Lorca, inspired by the poem “Guitarra”. Lament and intensity alternate, the instrument “speaking” with visceral, human immediacy.
Recordings and Broadcast
Bruce Paine’s interpretations of these works appear on Second Recital for Guitar. His recording of Remembering Prague has been a favourite with RNZ Concert listeners, where it is often programmed alongside other tracks from the album.
🎧 Listen on Spotify (and other platforms, pending confirmation).
Personal Connection
Štěpán Rak visited New Zealand on several occasions, during which a strong professional relationship developed. Concerts were organised in his honour, giving local audiences the chance to experience his artistry firsthand. In 1998, Bruce had the privilege of performing alongside Rak in two memorable concerts — one in the heart of Prague’s Old Town and another in the renaissance castle at the ski resort town of Opočno. Sharing the stage with him in these unique settings remains a highlight of his musical journey.
Web Links
Learn more about the composer: Štěpán Rak — official website.