Janácek's most popular orchestral work, Sinfonietta, comes vividly to life in the hands of František Jílek and the Brno Philharmonic, who ideally capture the pagan splendor of the raucous brass fanfares in the outer movements while projecting the magical combination of mystery and playfulness in the remainder. There's a limpid, impulsive quality to the playing that perfectly suits the composer's somewhat frenetic style, and you could argue that this quality lends a certain authenticity to the performances. The woodwinds play with lively energy and tart tone, while the strings are lean and limber.


These orchestral attributes effectively serve the remaining works as well. The Danube Symphony is a beautiful, phantasmagoric work that recreates the world of Janácek's late operas (with affecting vocal contributions from soprano Karolina Dvorakova), while the tender Violin Concerto requires the soloist to be just as adept at meditative musing as virtuoso display (a requirement that Ivan Zenaty fills handsomely). Finally, the incidental music to Schluck und Jau ends the program in Janácek's singular dramatic style. Supraphon's recording presents the performances in naturally spacious, vibrant sound. An excellent addition to anyone's Janácek collection.
--Victor Carr Jr, ClassicsToday.com