Igor Grobman wrote:

>My exposure to Janacek has been very limited.  I've only heard his "Kat'a
>Kabanova" and sinfonietta through radio broadcasts, and yesterday's
>performance was my third encounter.  Could you recommend some recordings
>of the above-mentioned and others of his works?

I'm glad that Janacek has one more friend.  As Sibelius, he has built
his own, very personal and characteristic language.  In my opinion, he is
certainly a major composer of our century, although he has not had during
his life such an influence as Debussy, Schoenberg, Stravinski or Varese.
But since the mid-sixties, Janacek and Sibelius are often mentoned by a
(more or less) young generation of composers as a major influence (e.g.
the "spectral" school or the "minimalists").

There was a recent thread concerning Kat'a Kabanova.  We all agreed on
Mackerras, and I suggested that we may add an (older) recording by
Krombholc (Supraphon, 1959) available on CD.  I'd be glad to suggest some
more operas, but I know that the language doesn't help to understand easily
these works.  It's not like operas sung in German or in Italian.  However,
Jenufa, The Cunning little Vixen and From the house of the Deads are
probably easier to start with.  Mackerras is excellent in all these three,
but you are allowed to prefer Neumann for the second (Supraphon, 1981) -
and Talich (Supraphon, 1954) in his own Suite after themes of this opera.
Afterwards, you may appreciate the Makropoulos Case and Mr. Broucek's
Excursions.

For the Sinfonietta (and Taras Bulba and the Glagolitic Mass), I think you
can beat the Czech: Bakala (if you can find these recordings somewhere)
for the first two (1952-1954), Talich for Taras (Supraphon, 1954), Ancerl
for the Mass (Supraphon, 1963).  I must confess I haven't got the time yet
to listen to Chailly's recent performance of the Mass (on a Decca CD), but
I've only seen good reviews of this record.

Concerning the Concertino and the Capriccio for piano, there's a wonderful
recording by Palenicek and Czech soloists (Supraphon, 1972), on which
you'll also find the lovely Rikadla (Nursery rhymes).

Some more choral music? Try the remarkable set of choral pieces recorded
by R. de Leeuw on a Philips CD (1993).

Some more chamber music? I consider that the "Mladi" (Youth) sextet is
essential.  Once more, I have to recommend Czech artists on Supraphon
(1972).  Of course, the two string quartets belong to the same category
(essential!): have a look at the Talich or at the (more recent) Prazak.

There are many good renditions of the (uncomplete and) tragic Piano sonata.
You can't complain with Firkusny (1971, I'm not sure of the record company
any more), who also recorded various small pieces.

I hope this helps. Discovering Janacek... I'd be happy to experience
this again!

Simon Corley
[log in to unmask]