Leoš Janáček’s dramatic Glagolitic Mass is set to a ninth century Old Church Slavonic text. With its highly individual synthesis of thunderous brass outbursts, rhythmic energy, radiant melodies and interludes of rapt contemplation, the work has established itself as a unique contribution to the choral repertoire. An avowed statement of his belief and patriotic pride in Czechoslovakian national independence, Janáček’s Sinfonietta uses spectacular large-scale orchestral forces. Both of these works belong to the composer’s last and most inspired decade, and represent his mature musical language at its most communicative.
May 2012
****
“This is a strong performance, and the Blu-ray opens out the choral sound so that the balance of Janacek's rich textures is more natural, without soften its edges. The Sinfonietta is a touch more recessed, but still stirs the blood.”
12th November 2011
“Both pieces receive crisp, radiant and transparent performances.”
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