Smetana: The Bartered Bride - Opera (2 CD)

Chalabala, Zdenek, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, soliści

SU 0040-2

Here is a highly interesting enterprise: two parallel performances of Janacek's song-cycle, both recorded in Prague, but one being the classic version with Beno Blachut made in 1956, the other made in 1984 by Nicolai Gedda. Blachut was then in his early forties and in his prime; Gedda was in his sixtieth year. Any lover of Janacek's music is strongly urged to acquire this striking record. The booklet, by the distinguished scholar Jiri Vyslouzil, makes no bones about preferring Blachut, observing that 'what may have displeased some critics was the operatic style of Gedda's interpretation'. It is easy enough to see what he means: for instance, in No 6, translated as 'Hey there my tawny oxen', as the young man ploughing has his head set afire by a glimpse of the gipsy girl in the bushes, Gedda gives the climactic phrase 've jednon je plameni' an Italianate fervour where Blachut develops the song's passion more steadily towards the phrase, which can therefore be less strenuously emphasised. Even so, Gedda's vocal elegance and eloquence have their own appeal; and his Russian background has long helped him towards a deep understanding of music in the Slavonic repertory. His is a superb performance of a work that can well sustain a new approach. Listener's have a unique opportunity here for getting, literally, two for the price of one and enjoying the comparisons. A lynch-pin of both performances is Josef Palenicek.

CD

17.09.2010

099925004026