Janácek: Piano Works

Janácek: Piano Works

Janácek: Piano Works
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CD Details

Composer: Leos Janacek
Performer: Czech Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble
Performer: Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Wind Ensemble
Performer: Josef Palenicek
Edition: Music CD
Format: Import
CD Release Date: 2005-06-28
Music Label: Supraphon
Soundtracks:
Music CD 1
  1. On the Overgrown Path (Po zarostlém chodnícku), for piano, JW 8/17: I. Our Evenings. Moderato
  2. Piano Sonata ('Zulice, 1.X.05,' 'From the Street, 1 October, 1905'), JW 8/19 (final movement lost): I. The Presentiment. Con moto
  3. Piano Sonata ('Zulice, 1.X.05,' 'From the Street, 1 October, 1905'), JW 8/19 (final movement lost): II. Death. Adagio
  4. In the mists (V Mlhách), pieces (4) for piano, JW 8/22: I. Andante
  5. In the mists (V Mlhách), pieces (4) for piano, JW 8/22: II. Molto adagio
  6. In the mists (V Mlhách), pieces (4) for piano, JW 8/22: III. Andantino
  7. In the mists (V Mlhách), pieces (4) for piano, JW 8/22: IV. Presto
Music CD 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. PiĂą 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

Music reviews of Janácek: Piano Works

Music Review: Substance And Technique
Rating: 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 Leos Janácek: Piano Works; Solo Piano; Concertino and Capriccio was 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 enjoyable, 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.

Description of Janácek: Piano Works

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