Janacek Glagolitic: Tales from the Stave

[Flay]

Yet another interesting programme today, this time about the original score of Janacek's Glagolitic Mass.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06j1qv9

Why can't Radio 3 do programmes like this?

[Flay]

Why can't Radio 3 do programmes like this?

I note there was similar discussion about this series and its location last week.

(I've been busy sorting Mrs Flay's 60th birthday bash so had missed this discussion)

[Nick Armstrong]

Good programme!

Could our resident member who was a leading participant (congrats!) or anyone else tell me which version of the Mass was used for the recorded extracts? The website is silent on that

[makropulos]

Good programme!

Could our resident member who was a leading participant (congrats!) or anyone else tell me which version of the Mass was used for the recorded extracts? The website is silent on that

So glad you enjoyed it! The recorded extracts were taken from a couple of different recordings depending on which version of the score was being discussed at the time (there were a few snippets from the early version - not certain which recording was used for those - but I'm pretty sure it was Netopil). But for the most part the extracts came from two classic versions on Supraphon: Ancerl (most of the time), and at least one extract from Mackerras's first recording (for the cut pages in the Sanctus).

[Nick Armstrong]

So glad you enjoyed it! The recorded extracts were taken from a couple of different recordings depending on which version of the score was being discussed at the time (there were a few snippets from the early version - not certain which recording was used for those - but I'm pretty sure it was Netopil). But for the most part the extracts came from two classic versions on Supraphon: Ancerl (most of the time), and at least one extract from Mackerras's first recording (for the cut pages in the Sanctus).

Gee thanks mak

It's the version heard right at the end, for the final pages, which caught my ear. I guess that was the Ancerl, from the sound of the orchestra?

[Bryn]

An interesting, if all too short, programme. I had sort of hoped for some discussion of the relative merits of the Wingfield and Zahrádka editions of the early version of the score, but perhaps that was something lost i the editing for broadcast. I have come to agree with makropulos re. the crucifixion passage, but definitely prefer the cross-rhythmic original version of the Úvod.

[DublinJimbo]

Gee thanks mak

It's the version heard right at the end, for the final pages, which caught my ear. I guess that was the Ancerl, from the sound of the orchestra?

My goodness, yes! I found a comparative review on the web which came down to a choice between Ancerl and Mackerras. I'm not sure that I'd be keen on the Mackerras because it's the original version, but I hesitated about the Ancerl because of the recording date. What we heard at the end of this feature was astonishing, though.

[Bryn]

My goodness, yes! I found a comparative review on the web which came down to a choice between Ancerl and Mackerras. I'm not sure that I'd be keen on the Mackerras because it's the original version, but I hesitated about the Ancerl because of the recording date. What we heard at the end of this feature was astonishing, though.

The Ancerl, which I first got on LP some 52 years ago, has been finely re-mastered by Supraphon (Ancerl Gold). As to Sir Charles, there are at least three recordings available with him at the helm, two using the Wingfield edition of the 1927 version, and one (on a Supraphon CD) using a corrected 1929 edition. There's a handy Supraphon box with both his Czech recordings (one of them, the Wingfield, on DVD), plus several other of his Supraphon recordings of Janacek and Martinu:

[makropulos]

An interesting, if all too short, programme. I had sort of hoped for some discussion of the relative merits of the Wingfield and Zahrádka editions of the early version of the score, but perhaps that was something lost i the editing for broadcast. I have come to agree with makropulos re. the crucifixion passage, but definitely prefer the cross-rhythmic original version of the Úvod.

Bryn, I think a discussion of the relative merits of two different editions is largely beyond the remit of "Tales" - but I'm glad we managed to get in some bits and pieces about Janacek's revisions (rather than other people's editions of same). One other thing: since Jiri Zahradka was standing about 6 feet away from me while we were recording, it might have been a bit invidious too :)

[Pulcinella]

The Ancerl, which I first got on LP some 52 years ago, has been finely re-mastered by Supraphon (Ancerl Gold).

Bryn: is the remastering a significant improvement?
This is the pressing I have and have long cherished:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Janacek-Glagolitic-Mass-Taras-Bulba/dp/B000FCI9LK/ref=sr_1_cc_5?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1445443220&sr=1-5-catcorr&keywords=Janacek+ancerl

[makropulos]

Bryn: is the remastering a significant improvement?
This is the pressing I have and have long cherished:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Janacek-Glag...Janacek+ancerl

These things are so subjective... I think I prefer the Gold Edition - it's a little brighter and clearer - but also a touch more aggressive (quite like the old LP). I've also got a Japanese transfer that is rather gentler (coupled with Ancerl's Alexander Nevsky) as well as the one you mention. The differences aren't that extreme to my ears, so I reckon you're fine with the one you have. The crucial thing is to have this tremendous performance.

[Bryn]

Bryn: is the remastering a significant improvement?
This is the pressing I have and have long cherished:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Janacek-Glag...Janacek+ancerl

Yes, I have that too, from the days when Orchesography/Ballet Books was still functioning in Cecil Court. As makropulos says, the differences are marginal, but I do just prefer the 'Gold' version. Certainly my favourite recording of that version of the score.

[Bryn]

Resurrecting this old thread to draw attention to a repeat appearance of the Netopil live recording of the 1927 version on TtN tonight. Starts at 02:31. Well worth catching on the iPlayer.

[kernelbogey]

The Ancerl, which I first got on LP some 52 years ago, has been finely re-mastered by Supraphon (Ancerl Gold).

Bryn: is the remastering a significant improvement?
This is the pressing I have and have long cherished:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Janacek-Glag...Janacek+ancerl

I'm fairly sure that this is also the same as the LP I was given by a friend for my twenty-first (fifty years ago!) and which turned me on to Janacek. I must find where I've stored it (and maybe acquire the CD).

[Bryn]

I'm fairly sure that this is also the same as the LP I was given by a friend for my twenty-first (fifty years ago!) and which turned me on to Janacek. I must find where I've stored it (and maybe acquire the CD).

It is indeed the same performance and recording. I bought the CD before I knew it would turn up on TtN. Tonight it is scheduled without The Eternal Gospel, though that too has been included in TtN sequences previously.