Janácek: Glagolitic Mass (Original Version) / Kodály: Psalmus Hungaricus, Op. 13

An outstanding, fiery and passionate performance of the Mass as Janácek originally conceived it - with the apocalyptic sound of drumrolls and organ at the climax of the Credo.

Item as advertised; delivered on time.

Mackerras had a way with Czech music, and there are musicological reasons why this might interest you. But the soloists are disappointing, and Ancerl had it all in this music anyway. Stick with him.

I love his music

Janáček's Glagolitic Mass is an incredible work and one of my ultimate favourite compositions. This CD includes an excellent performance of the reconstructed original work.Czech composer Leos Janáček (1854-1928) composed the majority and his best known works during the last decade of his life. His musical style is distinctly individual and original making his work unique and interesting. Prominent are "speech" derived melodic lines and influences from Moravian and Slavic folk music.The Glagolitic Mass for soprano, contralto, tenor, bass, double chorus, organ and orchestra was mostly composed in 1926, using some material which dates back from as early as 1907. Janáček chose to set his mass to Old Church Slavonic text, rather than the more traditional Latin text, hence the title, "Glagolitic Mass". The original version consists of nine movements, with the exciting Intrada repeated at the beginning and end of the piece.There are a number of excellent versions of Janáček's Glagolitic Mass, including those conducted by Simon Rattle, Michael Tilson Thomas and Leonard Bernstein. This recording played by the Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Charles Mackerras is my favourite.This recording features Paul Wingfield's reconstruction of Janáček's original version of the score. Some of the differences include that the Intrada, usually heard at the end of the piece, appears at the beginning too and is more complex rhythmically; and Timpani interruptions are restored to the Credo.The opening and closing Intrada of the Glagolitic Mass are amongst the most dramatic and exciting that I know. A truly great way to start and end a piece of music. The wailing violins at 1:28 are especially spine-chilling. Alex Ross in his excellent book, The Rest is Noise, mentions that one of Janáček's signature sounds is a raw pealing of trumpets. This can be heard to full effect in the Intrada. There is some wild singing from the soloists (some other versions faring slightly better), but I find this adds to the primal nature of the music and certainly doesn't detract from this marvellous recording. The chorus, excellent throughout are well balanced in this recording. The second last movement for solo organ is unusual in this setting, but is so wonderfully moving that it feels appropriate as a prelude to the conclusion of the work. This is an incredible recording of a marvellous work, which commands to be known.

Glagolitic Mass is amy be the most original choral work ever written. It has an ambigious beauty. There is no any little nonsense moment, everytime there is such a great orchestral effect, dramatic choral moments or terrific organ solos. This Mass written in not so religious senses, but more pantheistic, and the main theme as Janacek said "a church concentrated on death".Glagolitic Mass, as we know it today actually revised version. The because of revision is, when th master written the first draft, in the rehearsals it was found so difficult, imprectable to play. In that recording, we have the original version! which is may be more amazing than revised version.The differences are there: the Intrada section placed not only at last, but in the beggining too, this is just like we are going in the church and when the mass finished we are going out. And then, Introduction section coming. It is not 3/4 rhytm metre and so rhytmic as revised version, but there are more complex polyrhytmic details which sounds waving in the harmonies. The Kyrie (Gospodi pomiluj) was written in 5/4 rhytm and sounds more pompous than revised version. In Gloria (Slava) section there are som different timpani details, some solos and more heavy part. And then, the greatest diffrence coming in Credo (Veruju): in the crucifixion section, there is not just a terrific organ solo, but there are solos for 3 set timpani, some dramatic writing for strings which sounds spine-chilling. In Sanctus (Svet) section there are 14 bars plus, which includes some choral moments in the very high register for sopranos, that sounds so original too. Agnus Dei (Agnece bozij) which was not changed, is the most mysterious section, includes murmuring chorus and desolate string writing. And then suddenly with utmost power the Organ solo begins, which is a passacaglia written in virtuosic style. At last, we are exit from church, as for the last time we hear Intrada, with gorgeous 4 trumpets fanfare.Sir Charles Mackerras, who is the expert of Janacek music, has done great work in that recording. The Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra and Chorus sounds in that complex work at home, there is really devoted playing and feeling. As a couple, I recommend for the revised version, the amazing reading of Rafael Kubelik. These two performances are the greatest of that Mass.This recording is highly recommended.

nothing to dislike just a very good listen but possibly not for people new to classical music. It has taken quite a while for me to appreciate Janacek's music but now I am building quite a library. If you fancy a punt get this recording.

Deal in confidence.

Love this recording of the first Wingfield edition to aim to restore the Glagolitic Mass as close to that which Janáček had intended. Mackerras is a life long devotee and champion of Janáček. I love the virile and energetic sound on this CD.