Ota Petřina

Introduction to Pečeť

Pečeť, which translates to "The Seal," is the second solo album by Czechoslovak rock musician Ota Petřina. Released in 1983 under the Supraphon label, this album was recorded between 1981 and 1982 at the Mozarteum studio in Prague. It is presented as a vinyl LP and features a blend of progressive rock styles, including symphonic and hard prog elements.

Musical Composition

The music on Pečeť is entirely composed, arranged, and performed by Ota Petřina. He lends his talents to lead vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, synthesizers, and flute. The lyrics are penned by Pavel Vrba, an esteemed Czech poet and lyricist. Petřina is supported by his studio ensemble known as Super-robot, which includes notable musicians such as bassist Vladimír "Guma" Kulhánek and drummer Ladislav Malina. Keyboardist and cellist Jan Neckář also contributes, along with vocal harmonies from the group C&K Vocal and a string section conducted by Rudolf Wiedermann.

Concept and Structure

This album stands out for its ambitious structure, featuring two expansive suites that dominate its runtime. The opening track on side A, "Hemingway," runs for 15 minutes and offers a dramatic musical portrayal of the famous author. On side B, the centerpiece track "Obálka" ("The Envelope") is another significant piece, lasting over ten minutes. The album also contains art-rock compositions such as "Čas," "Odchod," "Phalaenopsis," and "Kopřiva," culminating in a short acoustic finale titled "Syn."

Production Details

Pečeť was recorded in a prominent studio known for its role in the Czechoslovak music scene. The production quality reflects the era's progressive rock trends, with a strong emphasis on orchestration and complex arrangements. The involvement of a string section adds depth to the album's sound, enhancing its symphonic character.

Release Information

Ota Petřina's Pečeť was released in 1983 with the catalog numbers 1113 3229 and 1113 3258. This album serves as a representation of the Czechoslovak rock landscape during the early 1980s.