Schubert, Franz/Janácek, Leoš: Kurt Masur conducts... (LPO Audio CD)

Zdena Kloubova - soprano, Karen Cargill - mezzo-soprano, Pavol Breslik - tenor, Gustáv Belácek - bass, David Goode - organ

London Philharmonic Orchestra, Czech Philharmonic Choir of Brno / Kurt Masur

Recorded at the Royal Albert Hall on 28 July 2004 as part of the BBC Proms


After the tantalizing pregnancy of the ‘Unfi­nished’ Symphony, Janácek’s declamatory Glagolitic Mass responds to Schubert’s open-endedness with a resounding sense of conclusion and assurance. Recorded live at the Royal Albert Hall during the 2004 BBC Proms season, these performances under the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s then-Principal Conductor Kurt Masur capture both the atmosphere of the Proms and the essence of these works.

Schubert’s ‘Un­nished’ is deservedly one of the staples of the symphonic repertoire, and the two movements which the composer completed are brilliant extended musical essays. The symphony as a whole is a pioneering forerunner to the works of Mendelssohn and Brahms.

Janácek’s immense Glagolitic Mass is a setting of the Old-Church Slavonic Mass, though its scale - with full orchestra, large chorus and organ - indicates it was never intended for liturgical use. By turns intimate and tempestuous, penitent and joyful, the huge popularity of this richly vibrant and exciting work is no fluke.

‘There is nothing quite like Janácek’s Glagolitic Mass. Its riotous energy was released by Kurt Masur and the London Philharmonic Orchestra in their Prom... they revealed the subtlety and power of Janácek‘s music, capturing its idiosyncratic details as well as creating an irresistible musical journey ’ The Guardian

‘Masur’s account [of the Janácek] with the LPO, his Czech choir and four sterling Czech soloists was exemplary and roundly rewarding. The remarkable tenor Pavol Breslik is a sharply exressive musician who exploits his naturally high register to easy, unstrained and elevated e-ect.’ Financial Times

‘’Masur was indeed right at home in the Schubert, and gave a reading of unforced grandeur, sturdy without being ponderous.’ Daily Telegraph


London Philharmonic Orchestra LPO0029