Orchestral Suites from the Operas, Vol. 1 Naxos 8.570555
- Composer: Leos Janacek
- Arranger: Peter Breiner
- Conductor: Peter Breiner
- Orchestra: New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
- Artist: Vesa-Matti Leppanen
The operas of Leoš Janáček have been gaining their rightful place in major opera houses the world over. First staged in 1904, Jenůfa, a powerful tragedy set in a Moravian village, launched Janáček’s operatic career. The Excursions of Mr Brouček, which had its première in 1920, is his most candidly satirical opera, rich in high jinks as the bumptious Prague publican travels to the Moon and back to the 15th century. Peter Breiner, who created the compelling orchestral suites heard on this disc, conducts these world première recordings.
Orchestral Suites from the Operas, Vol. 1 Review
Neither one of these suites will be familiar; both were arranged by the conductor, Peter Breiner…When I began listening I wasn't certain how well Breiner would do. I needn't have worried; both suites are wonderfully arranged and the New Zealand Symphony plays them very well. The recording is rich and full-blooded, and the notes are satisfactory. Score another triumph for Naxos. Carl Bauman – American Record Guide