Leos Janacek Czech Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Wind Ensemble - Jancek Piano Works (24 tracks) +Album Reviews

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Leos Janacek, Czech Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Wind Ensemble
Janácek: Piano Works
Genre: Classical

Track Listings (16) - Disc #1
1. On the Overgrown Path (Po zarostlém chodnícku), for piano, JW 8/17: I. Our Evenings. Moderato
2. On the Overgrown Path (Po zarostlém chodnícku), for piano, JW 8/17: II. A Blown-away Leaf. Andante
3. On the Overgrown Path (Po zarostlém chodnícku), for piano, JW 8/17: III. Come with Us! Andante
4. On the Overgrown Path (Po zarostlém chodnícku), for piano, JW 8/17: IV. The Frýdek Madonna. Grave
5. On the Overgrown Path (Po zarostlém chodnícku), for piano, JW 8/17: V. They Chattered Like Swallows. Con moto
6. On the Overgrown Path (Po zarostlém chodnícku), for piano, JW 8/17: VI. Words Fail! Andante
7. On the Overgrown Path (Po zarostlém chodnícku), for piano, JW 8/17: VII. Good Night! Andante
8. On the Overgrown Path (Po zarostlém chodnícku), for piano, JW 8/17: VIII. Unutterable Anguish. Andante
9. On the Overgrown Path (Po zarostlém chodnícku), for piano, JW 8/17: IX. In Tears. Larghetto
10. On the Overgrown Path (Po zarostlém chodnícku), for piano, JW 8/17: X. The Barn Owl Has Not Flown Away! Andante
11. Piano Sonata ('Zulice, 1.X.05,' 'From the Street, 1 October, 1905'), JW 8/19 (final movement lost): I. The Presentiment. Con moto
12. Piano Sonata ('Zulice, 1.X.05,' 'From the Street, 1 October, 1905'), JW 8/19 (final movement lost): II. Death. Adagio
13. In the mists (V Mlhách), pieces (4) for piano, JW 8/22: I. Andante
14. In the mists (V Mlhách), pieces (4) for piano, JW 8/22: II. Molto adagio
15. In the mists (V Mlhách), pieces (4) for piano, JW 8/22: III. Andantino
16. In the mists (V Mlhách), pieces (4) for piano, JW 8/22: IV. Presto
Track Listings (8) - Disc #2
1. Concertino for piano, 2 violins, viola, clarinet, horn & bassoon, JW 7/11: I. Moderato
2. Concertino for piano, 2 violins, viola, clarinet, horn & bassoon, JW 7/11: II. Più mosso
3. Concertino for piano, 2 violins, viola, clarinet, horn & bassoon, JW 7/11: III. Con moto
4. Concertino for piano, 2 violins, viola, clarinet, horn & bassoon, JW 7/11: IV. Allegro
5. Capriccio for piano (left hand), flute & brass ensemble ('Vzdor,' 'Defiance'), JW 7/12: I. Allegro
6. Capriccio for piano (left hand), flute & brass ensemble ('Vzdor,' 'Defiance'), JW 7/12: II. Adagio
7. Capriccio for piano (left hand), flute & brass ensemble ('Vzdor,' 'Defiance'), JW 7/12: III. Allegretto
8. Capriccio for piano (left hand), flute & brass ensemble ('Vzdor,' 'Defiance'), JW 7/12: IV. Andante

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CD Details

All Artists: Leos Janacek, Czech Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Wind Ensemble, Josef Palenicek
Title: Janácek: Piano Works
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Supraphon
Release Date: 6/28/2005
Album Type: Import
Genre: Classical
Styles: Chamber Music, Forms & Genres, Concertos, Sonatas, Historical Periods, Classical (c.1770-1830), Modern, 20th, & 21st Century, Instruments, Keyboard
Number of Discs: 2
SwapaCD Credits: 2
UPC: 099925381226

CD Reviews

Substance And Technique

Ruminator | The Fencepost | 09/13/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For now my review will assume that readers will already be familiar with these pieces and are simply curious about this particular recording.

Until hearing this vintage document from Supraphon and Josef Palenicek, I was pretty sure Firkusny/Kubelik were the best choice for this repertory, over others from Mackerras/Rudy and Atherton/London Sinfonietta, but now I would have to divide that honor with this contender. In fact, the two are so different, and yet equally ingratiating, that anyone who values these pieces as I do may require both recordings in their library.

Upon discovering Josef Palenicek with this recording, I learned that Sviatoslav Richter had a very high opinion of this nearly forgotten Czech pianist, and found that opinion quickly justified on first listening. In comparison with Firkusny's dazzling technical forces, Palenicek and his ensemble capture an impression of how Janacek himself might have played this music, or at least how he may have intended these elusive, beguiling pieces to sound - not as terse studious exercises in pitch and precision that they often seem to be, but as intelligent musical messages from a unique composer with a distinctive human voice. Where Firkusny may be dynamic and assertive, Palenicek may show more subtle, almost impressionistic variations in personality.

This kind of artistic familiarity is exactly what I've come to appreciate about the best recordings from the Supraphon label, and Josef Palenicek deserves the same degree of admiration I hold for the likes of Vaclav Talich and Karel Ancerl. Even Supraphon's early 70's sound quality has a natural clarity and balance that separates itself from the wider range of the "DG Originals" remasters - listening is like wearing cotton instead of polyester. As good as their rivals are, these recordings could hardly be more authentic, insightful, virtuosic and pleasant on the ears - and even the price is friendly.

Programming Note: Firkusny includes the Second suite of On an Overgrown Path, and the subminute piano piece Reminiscence - Palenicek does not - so there is roughly a 19 minute difference in total timing between the two recordings."