Ancerl Gold Edition 24 - Janacek: Sinfonietta; Martinu: Frescoes
Supraphon

Ancerl Gold Edition 24 - Janacek: Sinfonietta; Martinu: Frescoes

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Details

Composer
JANÁ?EK MARTIN?
Artist
CZECH PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
Format
CD
Discs
1
Label
Supraphon
Released
Jun 23, 2003
Catalog #
SU3684-2
UPC
099925368425

About


Karel Ancerl's incomparable recording of Janácek's resplendently barbaric Sinfonietta remains not only the finest available version of the work, but also is the best recorded, particularly in this incredibly vivid new transfer. Although it was captured as long ago as 1961, no other version so effectively conveys the panoramic splendor of the trumpet-led opening across the stereo spectrum, no other offers such clarity in passages such as the finale's hair-raising wind writing, and no other balances the orchestra against the massed brass of the closing pages so naturally and cleanly. Technically it's quite an achievement, and Martinu's Parables sound equally fine--only The Frescoes of Piero della Francesca show their age in comparison, though the sound is still quite good.


As to the performances--well, what is there to say? They are simply the last word in excitement, accuracy, passion, color, and expressive immediacy. The Sinfonietta erupts form the speakers like a primal force. What other performance propels the second-movement ostinatos so forcefully, or builds the third movement's central climax with such explosive energy? Who else observes the various tempo changes in the brief fourth movement so effectively, wringing every drop of variety from its many repetitions of its opening trumpet tune? And who else drives the finale to positively expressionistic extremes of tension, making the return of the opening fanfares a moment of apocalyptic grandeur? Much as I love this work, and enjoy other performances (including Kubelik, Neumann, Jilek, and Mackerras), this is one of those rare occasions where you really can point your finger to a single version and say, "This is the best."


The same holds true for the two Martinu works, though of course they have been less frequently recorded and so comparisons are less thick on the field. As noted above, the sound in The Parables, one of Martinu's late masterpieces that easily could pass for one of his symphonies, is no less splendid than the Janácek, and the work itself is a shimmering, sensuous delight. The opening of the third movement, with its buzzing strings and flecks of xylophone, is quite unforgettable. Ancerl conducts both this piece and The Frescoes (dedicated to Kubelik, who recorded the work for EMI) with the same authority as the Janácek, and although all three of these performances have been kicking around in various couplings for some time, the sonic improvement certainly warrants acquiring this new edition. The playing will simply have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Stunning!
--David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com

Tracklist 11 tracks

  1. 1 I. Allegretto 02:13
    Track
    1
    Title
    I. Allegretto
    Duration
    02:13
    Composer
    Leoš Janáček
    Ensemble
    Tschechische Philharmonie
    Conductor
    Karel Ančerl
  2. 2 II. Andante 05:26
    Track
    2
    Title
    II. Andante
    Duration
    05:26
    Composer
    Leoš Janáček
    Ensemble
    Tschechische Philharmonie
    Conductor
    Karel Ančerl
  3. 3 III. Moderato 04:42
    Track
    3
    Title
    III. Moderato
    Duration
    04:42
    Composer
    Leoš Janáček
    Ensemble
    Tschechische Philharmonie
    Conductor
    Karel Ančerl
  4. 4 IV. Allegretto 02:43
    Track
    4
    Title
    IV. Allegretto
    Duration
    02:43
    Composer
    Leoš Janáček
    Ensemble
    Tschechische Philharmonie
    Conductor
    Karel Ančerl
  5. 5 V. Andante con moto 06:39
    Track
    5
    Title
    V. Andante con moto
    Duration
    06:39
    Composer
    Leoš Janáček
    Ensemble
    Tschechische Philharmonie
    Conductor
    Karel Ančerl
  6. 6 I. Andante poco moderato 06:46
    Track
    6
    Title
    I. Andante poco moderato
    Duration
    06:46
    Composer
    Bohuslav Martinů
    Ensemble
    Tschechische Philharmonie
    Conductor
    Karel Ančerl
  7. 7 II. Adagio 05:48
    Track
    7
    Title
    II. Adagio
    Duration
    05:48
    Composer
    Bohuslav Martinů
    Ensemble
    Tschechische Philharmonie
    Conductor
    Karel Ančerl
  8. 8 III. Poco allegro 05:05
    Track
    8
    Title
    III. Poco allegro
    Duration
    05:05
    Composer
    Bohuslav Martinů
    Ensemble
    Tschechische Philharmonie
    Conductor
    Karel Ančerl
  9. 9 I. Andante pastorale 05:44
    Track
    9
    Title
    I. Andante pastorale
    Duration
    05:44
    Composer
    Bohuslav Martinů
    Ensemble
    Tschechische Philharmonie
    Conductor
    Karel Ančerl
  10. 10 II. Poco moderato 06:32
    Track
    10
    Title
    II. Poco moderato
    Duration
    06:32
    Composer
    Bohuslav Martinů
    Ensemble
    Tschechische Philharmonie
    Conductor
    Karel Ančerl
  11. 11 III. Poco allegro 07:37
    Track
    11
    Title
    III. Poco allegro
    Duration
    07:37
    Composer
    Bohuslav Martinů
    Ensemble
    Tschechische Philharmonie
    Conductor
    Karel Ančerl