Janácek: The Eternal Gospel (Bärenreiter, BA 6860a Vocal Score, 2007) Soprano and Tenor soloists; SATB choir; large orchestra and organ

Ł13.00

Janácek composed the music to this rather strange text by a medieval Italian monk, Joachim de Fiore (d.1202) in 1913-14. Janácek, even at this late stage of his life, was still largely unrecognised, but he poured his whole creative self into this work. The piece is in four movements, and has a particular 'outdoor' quality to it, and also captures the dreamlike atmosphere of the poetry. The cantata is (as the preface says) a lonely, splendid obelisk; it would be well worth while a competent choral society bringing this piece to the public's attention.

RR