Customer Reviews

Janácek: Moravian Folk Poetry in Songs

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This is a unique recording of Janacek's transcriptions of Moravian folk songs. Originally for piano and voice, they have been transcribed by Slovak composer Vladimir Godar for string quartet and (occasionally) three-voice male chorus. Here they are performed by renowned Czech singer and violinist Iva Bittova, accompanied by the Skampa Quartet and chorus. The effect is not so much of classical liede, but of authentic eastern European "popular" songs - the sonority of the string quartet adds to this in no small part. Janacek would be proud.

At first I wondered what I was listening to, having no preconceived ideas or knowledge of this cd but thought it looked interesting - and it certainly is.

There is a wonderful simplicity and naivety within the lyrics which shares similarites with Songs from the Auvergne but focuses on apples, herbs and fish more so than shepherds and shepherd lasses. One can easily imagine the scenes portrayed and the humour and sentiments behind them.

The more I listened the more I enjoyed.

Steve, Oxford, UK

I honestly did not know what I was getting myself into when I bought this CD. I love Janacek, I love folk songs... how could I go wrong? Iva Bittova! I was concerned that she would have a 50yr old woobly voice, but instead what exists is a thin VERY nasal tone... perhaps she should be singing traditional Bulgarian music! The voice is expressive, just ugly.

The recording quality is not very good, either. On many of the tracks, Iva seems to be muffled and in the background of the recording.

Really - dont waste your time and money, unless you really would just like to have a recording of over 50 Janacek songs.