Indispensable recordings 24.08.2024. Proms Composer 6: Janáček

[kernelbogey]

I don't think you'll get a commercial CD of just Bk 1. You'll have to make one.

Sure - I get that.

My favourite is Palenicek's first recording,1943 I think, which as far as I am aware has never been commercially liberated from the vinyl. If you PM me I can let you have the files of my transfer.

That is very kind.

If not, I thought Austbø was wonderful too. And Palenicek's second, Schiff -- you already know Firkusny.

I've now remembered that I had a cassette of Firkusny, not from a CD I believe, but a live recital somewhere; and also Radoslav Kvapil, also a live rectal I taped off air. I preferred Kvapil to Firkusni in this.

I'll get back to you by PM if I wish to take up your offer.

[kernelbogey]

I've ordered Stephen Hough on Hyperion from Presto who have it on special offer till 4/9 (includes Scriabin): for the gift. Listening to the samples it has a rather harsh recorded piano sound - but 'twill serve.

On an overgrown path Book 1 is pervaded by a sweet melancholy and longing.

[Pulcinella]

Still advertised as Beethoven on the R3 website.

Some interesting choices (which I'll copy over once the playlist appears, unless someone else gets there first): no Glagolitic Mass, no Sinfonietta.

[makropulos]

Still advertised as Beethoven on the R3 website.

Some interesting choices (which I'll copy over once the playlist appears, unless someone else gets there first): no Glagolitic Mass, no Sinfonietta.

Here's the track list for Janáček this morning:

1. String Quartet No. 1, 4th movement, Pavel Haas Quartet
Supraphon SU 3922–2,

2. Říkadla, Nos. 14–19, Prague Philharmonic Choir and ensemble, Lukáš Vasilek
Supraphon SU 4333-2, Tracks 18–23

3. Taras Bulba: III. Death and Prophesy of Taras Bulba, Czech PO, Mackerras
Supraphon SU 3739–2, Disc 1, Track 7.

4. Diary of One Who Disappeared, Nicky Spence, Václava Housková, Julius Drake
Hyperion CDA68282, Tracks 7–9)

5. Makropulos Affair: Act 3, finale, Söderström, Vienna PO, Mackerras
Decca 430 372-2, Disc 2, Track 4

[Pulcinella]

Many thanks, Nigel.
I hope you've enjoyed reading the suggestions on this thread too.
That early Janacek Quartet recording of the quartets really was the starting point for many of us, wasn't it?

Is the Taras Bulba the same recording in both these sets?
The 4CD + DVD set is terrific value at present.

https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/7928855--mackerras-conducts-janacek

https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/7990958--life-with-czech-music-janacek-martinu

[makropulos]

Many thanks, Nigel.
I hope you've enjoyed reading the suggestions on this thread too.
That early Janacek Quartet recording of the quartets really was the starting point for many of us, wasn't it?

Is the Taras Bulba the same recording in both these sets?
The 4CD + DVD set is terrific value at present.

https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/7928855--mackerras-conducts-janacek

https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/7990958--life-with-czech-music-janacek-martinu

Yes, the Taras Bulba is the same in both boxes – the red one also includes a DVD of the same concert. The whole of the red box is worth getting: not only the contents of the blue box, but also two different performances of the Glagolitic Mass in two different versions (the Wingfield edition is on the DVD) – as well as some terrific Martinů, and an interview with CM.

How right you are about that Janáček Quartet LP! Some terrific suggestions further up the thread. The only reason I didn't include the Glagolitic Mass is because it's being done on Wednesday – otherwise that would assuredly have been in there (probably Ančerl). I'm looking forward immensely to both the Czech PO Proms this week (and going to both of them).