Zoltán Kodály; Leoš Janáček - Psalmus hungaricus; Glagolitic Mass (Charles Mackerras)

Information

Composer: Zoltán Kodály; Leoš Janáček

1. Janáček - Glagolitic Mass (original version): I. Intrada
2. Janáček - Glagolitic Mass (original version): II. Úvod. Introduction/Einleitung
3. Janáček - Glagolitic Mass (original version): III. Gospodi pomiluj. Kyrie (Soprano/Choir)
4. Janáček - Glagolitic Mass (original version): IV. Slava. Gloria (Soprano/Tenor/Choir)
5. Janáček - Glagolitic Mass (original version): V. Vĕruju. Credo (Tenor/Bass/Choir)
6. Janáček - Glagolitic Mass (original version): VI. Svet. Sanctus (Soloists/Choir)
7. Janáček - Glagolitic Mass (original version): VII. Agneče Božij. Agnus Dei (Soloists/Choir)
8. Janáček - Glagolitic Mass (original version): VIII. Varhany sólo (Organ solo)
9. Janáček - Glagolitic Mass (original version): IX. Intrada
10. Kodály - Psalmus hungaricus, Op. 13

Tina Kiberg, soprano
Randi Stene, contralto
Peter Svensson, tenor
Ulrik Cold, bass

Per Salo, organ
Copenhagen Boys Choir
Danish National Symphony Choir & Orchestra
Charles Mackerras, conductor

Date: 1994
Label: Chandos
https://www.chandos.net/products/catalogue/CHAN%209310

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Review

PERFORMANCE: ***** / SOUND: *****

Without doubt, this is one of the most important recordings of music by Janácek in recent years. Paul Wingfield’s restoration of the original performing version of the Glagolitic Mass is a fine piece of work and deserves to become the standard text. Those familiar with the Mass will notice changes right at the start, where the ‘Intrada’ (normally the conclusion) appears twice, at both the beginning and end. This introduces a number of fundamental alterations to rhythm and instrumentation which make for a markedly different whole: undoubtedly harder to perform, but infinitely sharper in outline. Most remarkable of all are the timpani solos in the middle section of the Credo which add astonishing force to the choir’s announcement of the Crucifixion. The Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra and Choir respond to this novelty with a will. The soloists, especially the tenor Peter Svensson, are beyond praise and Mackerras’s way with this music has a clarity and coherence that make the majority of other performers of the Mass on record seem like sleep walkers. Excellently recorded and attractively accompanied by a fine rendition of Kodály’s Psalmus hungaricus, this performance of the Glagolitic Mass is the one to have.

-- Jan Smaczny, BBC Music Magazine

More reviews:
http://www.gramophone.co.uk/review/jan%C3%A1cekkod%C3%A1ly-choral-works
http://www.amazon.com/Jan%C3%A1cek-Glagolitic-Original-Version-Hungaricus/dp/B000000AVF

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Zoltán Kodály (16 December 1882 in Kecskemét, Hungary – 6 March 1967 in Budapest) was a Hungarian composer, ethnomusicologist, pedagogue, linguist, and philosopher. He is best known internationally as the creator of the Kodály Method, which is widely taken up by pedagogues in Hungary and many other countries. His compositions blended Western-European style of music, including classical, late-romantic, impressionistic and modernist, with the knowledge and respect for the folk music of Hungary. Kodály and his compatriot Béla Bartók were lifelong friends, and champions of each other's music.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zolt%C3%A1n_Kod%C3%A1ly

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Leoš Janáček (3 July 1854 – 12 August 1928) was a Czech composer, musical theorist, folklorist, publicist and teacher. He was inspired by Moravian and other Slavic folk music to create an original, modern musical style. Much of Janáček's work displays great originality and individuality. Janáček belongs to a wave of twentieth-century composers who sought greater realism and greater connection with everyday life, combined with a more all-encompassing use of musical resources. Janáček is considered one of the most important Czech composers, along with Antonín Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leo%C5%A1_Jan%C3%A1%C4%8Dek

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Charles Mackerras (17 November 1925 – 14 July 2010) was an Australian conductor. He was an authority on the operas of Janáček and Mozart, and the comic operas of Gilbert and Sullivan. Mackerras was known for his broad repertoire, expertise in Czech music, and use of period performance practices with modern orchestras. Mackerras recorded three Mahler symphonies and all of the symphonies of Mozart, Brahms and Beethoven. His final recording was Suk's Asrael Symphony in 2007. His final public performance saw him conduct Così fan tutte at Glyndebourne in the summer of 2010.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Mackerras

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