JANACEK : ORCHESTRAL WORKS Vol 3 – Glagolitic Mass

BERGEN PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA & CHOIRS, Edward Gardner, conductor

CHANDOS CHSA 5165     64’30

This Super audio CD presents Janacek’s ever-pleasing Glagolictic Mass alongside less familiar works –Adagio, Zdravas Maria(Hail Mary) and Otce nas (The Lord’s Prayer). This an interesting collection of fine performances. However, I am not sure that all of these pieces should really be categorised as orchestral works.

DOMENICO SCARLATTI –SONATAS
ANGELA HEWITT, piano
HYPERION CDA 67613    76’10

Audiences are divided as to whether this music should be played on the piano or harpsichord. I personally feel that the music can be enjoyed on either. Angela Hewitt’s first collection of Scarlatti’s sonatas presents a small fraction of the total of his output. An enjoyable disk which makes this 250 year old repertoire come alive once again.

VINCENZO GALILEI – The Well-Tempered Lute
ZAK OZMO, Lute
HYPERION CDA 68017   63’03

I thoroughly enjoyed this CD. A beautiful recording of music I had never heard before, from the pen of the father of the famous astronomer! This music really deserves to be better known and has an important place in the development of the Western musical tradition. An informative booklet gives good background notes.

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH – MASS IN B MINOR
CONCERTO COPENHAGEN & soloists, directed by Lars Ulrik Mortensen
CPO  777 851-2  (2 CDs/ SACD) 103’35

The B minor mass is very familiar territory. This substantial choral work has been recorded on numerous occasions. Here we have a surround sound / multi-channel recording on super audio CD. Regardless of the technology the performace is impressive, maintaining a lightness of touch which allows the music to dance, even in the larger scale moments.