Search - Janacek - Glagolitic Mass, Taras Bulba, Jealousy / Eva Urbanova, Bernarda Fink, Leo Marian Vodicka, Peter Mikulas, Charles Mackerras, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra on DVD

Great Janacek performances on DVD

T. C. | 08/31/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The first work on the DVD is the great Glagolitic Mass. I have seven CD recordings of this work, but I don't recall ever been excited by this work as it had been with this new recording. It is obvious that the visual element adds a lot to the excitement but Mackerras needs no recommendations with regard to Janacek. His performance is second to none. His mastering of the score is truly evident and the excellent Czech Philharmonic responds with playing that is both warm and brilliant. Mackerras is performing the original version of the work, which means that the first movement is the orchestral Intrada, which reappears in the end of the work. The second movement is the orchestral Uvod, with its powerful brass fanfares.

The brass section is impressive and produces here and there the prickly sound that is so characteristic of the composer. The three tympani players are adding a lot of adrenalin to the performance and their dialog with the organ in the "Svet" is amazing. The big organ is being played by Jan Hora and is brilliantly recorded. The four soloists are very good with the right Slavic timbre: Eva Urbanova - soprano, Bernarda Fink - mezzo, Leo Marian Vodicka - tenor, Peter Mikulas - bass. A very high mark to the excellent Prague philharmonic choir for a warm and unified sound and singing with both power and sensitivity where needed.

The other two works are the Jealousy Overture, which was written as a prelude to Janacek's opera Jenufa, but he later decided not to use it with the opera, and the orchestral fantasy Taras Bulba. This is a brilliant performance of the two works. Mackerras, almost 80 years old, is keeping the music on an immensely high voltage, and he gets wonderful results from his players.

Sound and picture quality is first rate. I highly recommend this DVD to those who are interested in Janacek's music. It is a winner!!
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Superlative Performances

George H. Hoemann | Knoxville, TN USA | 01/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sir Charles Mackerras is, without doubt, the preeminent living interpreter of Janacek's music. The three performances available on this recording are stunning examples of Mackerras' mastery of the music and, thus, a wonderful experience of the music itself. My only regret is that this DVD does not also contain a performance of Janacek's other great master work, the Sinfonietta. Nevertheless, this is an excellent addition to anyone's collection -- whether Janacek neophyte or long time devotee."