Taras Bulba

[Barbirollians]

This work has never done much for me but have just listened to Ancerl and Czech PO - an incandescent performance that has made me listen to it with entirely new ears . Those sadly all too soon deleted EMI Great Conductors of the 20th century 2CD sets were generally marvellous and like this many have introduced me to outstanding if imperfect performances - live Mahler from Barbirolli and Mitropoulos and Tchaikovsky from Kletzki spring to mind.

[cloughie]

This work has never done much for me but have just listened to Ancerl and Czech PO - an incandescent performance that has made me listen to it with entirely new ears . Those sadly all too soon deleted EMI Great Conductors of the 20th century 2CD sets were generally marvellous and like this many have introduced me to outstanding if imperfect performances - live Mahler from Barbirolli and Mitropoulos and Tchaikovsky from Kletzki spring to mind.

Kubelik, Mackerras and Huybrechts recommended also

[Dave2002]

I always loved that recording of Taras Bulba with Ancerl coupled with the Sinfonietta. What's there not to like?

[Bryn]

I always loved that recording of Taras Bulba with Ancerl coupled with the Sinfonietta. What's there not to like?

Takes me back to my schooldays' discovery of Janáček's music.

[jayne lee wilson]

Rattle started programming this in Liverpool in the late 70s (as well as the Sinfonietta) and I soon fell in love with its sweeping melodies, sheer dramatic tension and those blazing brasses. He made a recording of both with the Philharmonia in 1982 which I now have on a truly spectacular EMI-Toshiba. He went on to give the first ever Berlin Philharmonic performances.

If it was on Radio 3 anywhere, anytime, I would try not to miss it.... to the extent that I almost wore it out and had to avoid it for a few years. But it seems to have been with me all my life....

Respect to Mackerras of course, but I would reach for the Japanese-issue Rattle or the Supraphon Ancerl Gold CD c/w the Glagolitic Mass.... an alltime Janacek classic, again with terrific sound - so important to this work as to Janacek's Orchestrals generally.

[Dave2002]

Respect to Mackerras of course, but I would reach for the Japanese-issue Rattle or the Supraphon Ancerl Gold CD c/w the Glagolitic Mass.... an alltime Janacek classic, again with terrific sound - so important to this work as to Janacek's Orchestrals generally.

I should check out the Rattle version - and will put it on my list - but up to now for me Ancerl's version has seen off all comers.

[mikealdren]

A great masterpiece and, for me, Kubelik stands head and shoulders above the other versions I have: Rattle, Neumann, Mackerras and Bĕlohlávek

[Bryn]

A great masterpiece and, for me, Kubelik stands head and shoulders above the other versions I have: Rattle, Neumann, Mackerras and Bĕlohlávek

Overdue you got to hear the Ancerl, then. That, in its Supraphon Gold manifestation, it comes with a stonking Glagolitic Mass is a pretty major bonus, too.

[Barbirollians]

I had the Mackerras which is good but the Ancerl is in a different league to any other performance I have heard.

[mikealdren]

I'll have to hear the Ancerl, I've had his Glagolitic mass on LP for nearly 50 years, must give that another spin too...

[gurnemanz]

I always loved that recording of Taras Bulba with Ancerl coupled with the Sinfonietta. What's there not to like?

I had (have) that LP. I certainly neglected Taras B and played mainly Sinfonietta. Just listened to my only CD version, vividly put across by Mackerras with VPO. Thanks to this thread for giving a nudge.

Youthful memories prompted me to google the epic movie..... 1962, making me 13 at the time. I vaguely remember enjoying it, but only three stars on IMDB. Tony Curtis and Yul Brynner were in everything around that time. I see Sam Wanamaker was also in it, so a link with the Globe Theatre.

[BBMmk2]

Kubelik, Mackerras and Huybrechts recommended also

I have Mackerras’s and Gardner’s on this. Very good indeed.

[Dave2002]

I had (have) that LP. I certainly neglected Taras B and played mainly Sinfonietta. Just listened to my only CD version, vividly put across by Mackerras with VPO. Thanks to this thread for giving a nudge.

Youthful memories prompted me to google the epic movie..... 1962, making me 13 at the time. I vaguely remember enjoying it, but only three stars on IMDB. Tony Curtis and Yul Brynner were in everything around that time. I see Sam Wanamaker was also in it, so a link with the Globe Theatre.

I still rate Ancerl higher - but glad you enjoyed it anyway.

[vibratoforever]

Currently I only have 3 versions, all with the CPO - Ancerl, Mackerras and Belohlavek - and all very satisfactory. Pressed for one choice it would be Ancerl.

I love the sound of the CPO in the sixties and have never purchased a recording by these forces that is not a keeper.

[Barbirollians]

This two CD Ancerl set is full of other treasures and it seems there are still relatively reasonably priced second hand copies on Amazon .

In particular , there is a lovely live Martinu 5 from Toronto and a sensational live Dvorak 8 from the Concertgebouw in 1970 - one of the finest on record IMO in much better sound than Walter in New York and Barbirolli with the Halle my two other favourite recordings.