[.ca] Sinfonietta/Glagolitic Mass

Thrilling and powerful - the best of Janacek:
One of EMI's great recordings, this was in fact the first completely digital recording of the "Glagolitic Mass" to be made. The young Simon Rattle does it and the "Sinfonietta" full justice. What of the music? Both these works date from the last years of Janacek's life and show his creative maturity in full bloom. His "Sinfonietta" is possibly the apex of his ethnomusical work in that it is positively dripping with Moravian folk-style motifs, projecting the heart and soul of Brno and its people as seen by the composer through his early-century collecting and absorbing of real folk music. Its five movements take us on a pictorial tour of the city of Brno, where Janacek spent most of his life living and working. The opening fanfare could almost qualify as a Janacek signature theme, just as the bassoon solo at the start of "The Rite of Spring" and the flute solo at the opening of "Prelude a l'apres midi d'une faune" are the signature tunes of Stravinsky and Debussy respectively. Beyond it lie four further movements of memorable melodies and rich orchestral harmonies: busy clarinets and strings at the start of the second movement; the curiously subdued harmonic progressions in the third movement that also seem to ache with longing at times; the lively and charming interplay between woodwind and strings (with a cameo from a rather loud bell!) in the fourth movement; and finally the beautiful final movement with its extended build-up to a reprise of the fanfare and an unforgettable climax. It is one of the great orchestral works of the last century, and in it Janacek certainly does not make it easy for the players. Simon Rattle and the Philarmonia Orchestra take the bull by the horns, however - they make it all sound effortless, and really seem to be getting down to the heart of the music. A rivetting and spellbinding performance. If anything, the "Glagolitic Mass" is even more spellbinding. I have to admit I find it a constantly puzzling work: Janacek was an atheist, and surprised many contemporaries with this setting of the Mass in the old Slavic language. It exhibits youthful freshness in its exploration of the words: the "Kyrie" or "Ghospodi pomiluy" is by turns tender and anguished; "Slava" ("Gloria") begins with a wonderful, joyful evocation of what might be a Sunday morning scene with its opening soprano solo and fluttering accompaniment; "Veruju" is an extended Creed setting making full use of dialogue between chorus, soloists and players, punctuated by a recurring motif on the opening word ("I believe"); the "Svet" ("Sanctus") is pure bounce and playfulness, again presenting a melting dialogue between the forces. In "Agnece Bozhe" ("Agnus Dei") Janacek creates some otherworldly orchestral effects as a backdrop to a quietly passionate plea for mercy from the choir, developed into a dark and disturbing discourse by the soloists. Framing the work is a Prelude at the start and Intrada at the end, the one ushering the austereness of the work in from the opening bars whilst the other brings the work to a frantic conclusion. There is also a virtuosic movement for solo organ, reflecting Janacek's skill as an organist (he taught for many years at the Brno Organ School). The whole is a composition of symphonic power and textural poetry, and I find it fascinating and bewildering as a statement of faith from someone that did not believe in God, although he certainly believed in the strength of his native culture and did all he could to preserve it in the music. Here too, Rattle directs with energy, inspiring the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Chorus to meet the various challenges head on. It is to my mind a definitive performance, allowing the music to speak clearly for itself. Honourable mention also to the soloists: Felicity Palmer (soprano) and John Mitchinson (tenor) have the hardest parts and their interpretation is stunning, even moving in places despite the obvious strains placed on them - I cannot imagine any singer having an easy time with this piece! Jane Parker-Smith's organ playing is worth mentioning as well - she fits into the orchestral dialogues very smoothly in the "Slava" and "Veruju," and her reading of the difficult solo movement is nothing short of astounding. Strongly recommended to Janacek enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

• Sinfonietta: I: Allegretto (Fanfare) - Simon Rattle
• Sinfonietta: II: Andante (The Spilberg Castle, Brno)
• Sinfonietta: III: Moderato (The Queen's Monastery, Brno)
• Sinfonietta: IV. Allegretto (The Street Leading To The Castle)
• Sinfonietta: Andante con moto (The Town Hall, Brno)
• Glagolitic Mass: I: Introduction
• Glagolitic Mass: II: Kyrie
• Glagolitic Mass: III: Gloria
• Glagolitic Mass: IV: Credo
• Glagolitic Mass: V: Sanctus
• Glagolitic Mass: VI: Agnus Dei
• Glagolitic Mass: VII: Organ solo
• Glagolitic Mass: VIII: Intrada