Serendipity came to the fore when I discovered the availability of this 2004 Supraphon DVD. Charles Mackerras had an international reputation in the world of Janacek recordings and the discovery of Janacek's Glagolitic Mass on DVD was indeed a rare find and welcome addition to my shelves.The Czech Pilharmonic, soloists and choir are glorious. Strongly recommended.
Leos Janacek is a composer not to be dismissed. You either love his music and make a great effort to try to undrstand it because you have developed a liking for it or you stay away from it all together. He is a composer who suffered from musical authorities criticism, being too far advanced beyond his time. Janacek developed his own style based upon the sound of speech. His orchestral music puts the brass section forward, his expressive woodwind instruments weep an laugh and his rhythms often remind us of folkloric dance music. The text of the Glagolitic Mass follows Russian orthodox models GLAGOLITICA, the oldest of the Byzantine writings devoted to the Cristianizination of the Slavs. The Czech Philharmonic Orchestra is traditionally connected with Janacek's music and the late Sir Charles Mackerras, who studied conducting with Vaclav Talich became somewhat of an authority on the complex scores. The soloists are mostly Czech and the result including the majestic organ solo is overpowering. The Taras Bulba Symphonic Poem is based on the tale of the Russian legendary Kosaak warrior and his death. A colourful piece of descriptive orchestral music with no dull moment. The prelude to Jenufa was composed long before the opera and makes an effective conclusion to this DVD totally devoted to music of Leos Janacek. For whomever wants to take a step to become acquinted with Janacek's music this is my recommendation. Joe Neustatl.
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