Released to mark the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra's 60th anniversary, this powerful Janácek triptych reinforces the favourable impression made by these artists both on disc and in concert. Jonathan Nott's Sinfonietta is something of a 'grower', a thoughtful, defiantly unsensational reading which takes a number of hearings to reveal its lasting qualities. Aside from a hint of fluster at the più mosso marking in the finale, the Bambergers respond with striking accomplishment to their British chief, who directs with intelligence, thrusting purpose and a keen eye for detail. Admittedly, there's greater tenderness in the initial Moderato of the central tableau than Nott chooses to find (Kubelík and his wonderfully pliable and expressive Bavarian RSO really do melt the heart every time) but how judiciously he controls his massed forces in the jubilant panoply towards the close – the cumulative effect is properly rousing, noble and unflashy. A shame the sound doesn't quite 'open out' ideally here, though otherwise there can be nothing but praise for a vividly truthful co-production between Tudor and Bavarian Radio.
The suite from The Cunning Little Vixen – not Talich's much-loved overview but an earlier, 16-minute selection by Brno-born František Jílek (1913-93) – also offers much to enjoy. Only Taras Bulba slightly disappoints: articulate, painstakingly prepared and observant, yes, but it never truly catches fire.