I was at the (London) Barbican concert at which this recording was made and left the hall thinking: That was so special it ought to be issued on disc. Only this year did I discover it had been, and it is every bit as good as I remember. The comparative neglect of this opera is incomprehensible (it was even omitted from Mackerras's Decca series of recordings). It is genuinely funny, full of fantasy, and speaks of the composer's deep love for his homeland and its people. Anyone who enjoys The Cunning Little Vixen will surely warm to this. Unlike earlier Czech recordings, this is from a reliably edited (by Mackerras!) version of the score. The cast of native Czech speakers is entirely satisfactory; the characterisations are vivid and the quality of the singing outstanding. Belohlavek is one of the world's most musical and dedicated conductors and here he is utterly in his element, working with the BBCSO with which he formed an excellent professional relationship. Listeners who have recently heard the LSO blasting away at the Barbican might be surprised at what a mellow and multicoloured sound the BBC orchestra produces in that hall; in fact they always have got the measure of the acoustics better than their rivals. An ideal cast, an ideal conductor, a tremendous performance, splendid recording - and a wonderful opera.
I am a big fan of the operas of Janacek and this is the only comic opera of his, based on a satirical novel by Svatopalek Cech . It took Janacek almost nine years to compose. The opera's plot is very complex but centers around Mr. Broucek very well characterized by tenor Jan Vacik and a number of other characters who are sung by one person. To me, the standout was soprano Maria Hajan who sing three different characters to perfection. Janacek is well known for his mastery of the chorus and the BBC Singers and the Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jiri Belohlavek creates a charming live opera that is a lot of fun to listen to. Janacek as a Czech nationalist uses a lot of folk song. The orchestral interludes especialy whe the action switches from the moon to the earth. contain some of Janacek's best music.. Like Osud this opera does have some flaws but the but there is so much beautiful music they are easy to ignore. Highly recommended by anyone interested in opera. Please excuse any typos I have a neurologic disease.
Service: great, indeed. Product as described. Flawless. 5 stars to the seller. Music : Janacek is one of may favourite composers. Suberb music and singing. 5 stars, too
WELL, I STARTED WITH THE MACKERRAS BOXED SET OF JANACEK'S OPERAS AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO STOP SINCE. AND WHO CAN RESIST AN OPERA WITH SUCH A WHIMSICAL NAME AS "THE EXCURSIONS OF MR. BROUCEK TO THE MOON AND INTO THE 15TH CENTURY"? A TOTAL ROMP, EXQUISITELY SUNG AND DIRECTED. ALL I CAN SAY, RATHER THAN DWELL ON INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES, JUST SIT BACK AND ENJOY. LIBRETTO PROVIDED. I HAVE BECOME ADDICTED TO SUPRAPHON'S TOTALLY SUPERIOR PACKAGING AND PRESENTATION OF THEIR OPERATIC RECORDINGS.