Janáček: The Excursions of Mr Broucek

Bohumír Vich (Broucek), Ivo Žídek (Mazal, Blankytný, Petrík), Premysl Kocí (Sacristan of St. Vitus, Lunobor, Domšík from The Bell), Libuše Domanínská (Málinka, Etherea, Kunka), Karel Berman (Würfl, Caroskvoucí, Councillor), Helena Tattermuschová (Young Waiter, Child Prodigy, Student), Jaroslava Dobrá...

This pioneering recording of Janacek's satirical adventure captures the work's sense of surreal fun — BBC Music Magazine, Christmas 2010, 3 out of 5 stars More…

Release Date: 14th Jun 2010
Catalogue No: SU39852
Label: Supraphon
Series: Czech Opera Treasures

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Janáček: The Excursions of Mr Broucek

Bohumír Vich (Broucek), Ivo Žídek (Mazal, Blankytný, Petrík), Premysl Kocí (Sacristan of St. Vitus, Lunobor, Domšík from The Bell), Libuše Domanínská (Málinka, Etherea, Kunka), Karel Berman (Würfl, Caroskvoucí, Councillor), Helena Tattermuschová (Young Waiter, Child Prodigy, Student), Jaroslava Dobrá (Housekeeper, Kedruta), Hanuš Thein, Milan Karpíšek, Antonín Votava, Jan Hlavsa, Jaroslav Veverka & Beno Blachut
Opera Chorus and Orchestra of the National Theater in Prague
Václav Neumann

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Composer Guides, Leoš Janáček

Katherine surveys recordings of Janáček and makes some recommendations.

The unusual subject matter and original structure of Leoš Janácek’s only comic opera The Excursions of Mr. Broucek are remarkable additions to the composer’s long list of pioneering moments. The score simmers not only with the creativity of his musical ideas, but with reminiscence and anticipation as well.

Both excursions of the Prague landlord Matej Broucek hold up a period mirror to the ignoble side of human nature and behavior. Though the first Czech recording was made in an era which demanded certain changes in the libretto and some condensing, the work as a whole did not suffer. Janácek’s sophisticated humor is applied with a gentle touch, his satire is tempered with compassion, and his irony encourages self-reflection.

The tone of the work is surprisingly close to the tolerant modern view of Mr. Broucek’s character, of artists isolated from the normal world and our conception of the moral strength of our forefathers. The opera was intended for Prague and also received its premiere there at the National Theater on March 23, 1920 in a production by Otakar Ostrcil.

Part of Supraphon’s Czech Opera Treasures series, this CD presents a never before released 1963 recording by conductor Václav Neumann with Bohumír Vich in the title role.

Artists

Opera Chorus and Orchestra of the National Theater in Prague, Václav Neumann

Reviews

Christmas 2010

This pioneering recording of Janacek's satirical adventure captures the work's sense of surreal fun

3rd July 2010

...a vital, vividly communicative reading that exudes belief in the piece. Neumann and the Orchestra of the Prague National Theatre make radiant sense of Janácek’s quirky effects while finding a seductive lyricism in the score...The title role is humanised by Bohumir Vich...The supporting cast...make the text spring off the page.

May 2014

This lively 2010 account under the baton of Václav Neumann catches the score's surreal wit and charm with aplomb.

27th June 2010

This account, under Vaclav Neumann...[is] as convincing as any later
effort, despite the boxy acoustic. The playing and singing offer vivid characterisation.

Janáček: The Excursions of Mr Broucek

2 CDs

Contents

Composer Guides, Leoš Janáček

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