Janáček: VĚC MAKROPULOS – Digital Recording by Decca (2CD Set)

Product Information

UPC: 028943037228
Catalog Number: DECCA 430 372-2 DH2 / BA 927
Product Type: 2-CD Digital Recording (ADRM – Analogue to Digital Remaster)
Title: VĚC MAKROPULOS (The Makropulos Affair)
Composer: Leoš Janáček (1854–1928)
Featured Soloists:

• Elisabeth Söderström
• Peter Dvorský
• Beno Blachut
• Additional cast members: Emilia Marty, Albert Gregor, Vítek, Vladimír Krejčík, Kristina (Krista), Anna Czaková, Jaroslav Prus, Václav Vítek, Janek, Zdeněk Švehla, Kolenatý, Dalibor Jedlička, Hauk-Sendorf
  Ensembles:
• Wiener Staatsopernchor
• Wiener Philharmoniker
  Conductor: Sir Charles Mackerras
  Additional Feature: Lachian Dances performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra under François Huybrechts appear on the release.
  Label: DECCA (Import – ADRM Digital Remaster)
  Release Year: 1991 (Decca, The Decca Record Company Limited, London)
  Manufacturing: Printed and made in Germany
  Total Running Time: 1 hour 57 minutes 52 seconds

Overview

English Overview

Step into the dramatic and philosophically rich world of Leoš Janáček’s VĚC MAKROPULOS (The Makropulos Affair) with this exceptional digital recording from DECCA. This release offers an immersive experience of Janáček’s opera—a profound exploration of longevity, identity, and the ephemeral nature of time. Under the inspired baton of Sir Charles Mackerras, the renowned Wiener Philharmoniker and Wiener Staatsopernchor deliver a performance of extraordinary depth and clarity, accompanied by the masterful vocal artistry of Elisabeth Söderström, Peter Dvorský, and Beno Blachut among others. Additionally, the recording features the stirring Lachian Dances as performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra under François Huybrechts, making this set a true collector’s treasure. Remastered with state-of-the-art ADRM technology, this import edition perfectly captures the vibrant sound and emotional intensity of Janáček’s music, ensuring an unforgettable listening experience.

French Overview (Vue d'ensemble)

Plongez dans l'univers dramatique et richement philosophique de VĚC MAKROPULOS (L'Affaire Makropulos) de Leoš Janáček grâce à cet enregistrement numérique exceptionnel de DECCA. Cette édition offre une expérience immersive de l'opéra de Janáček – une exploration profonde de la longévité, de l'identité et de la nature éphémère du temps. Sous la direction inspirée de Sir Charles Mackerras, le célèbre Wiener Philharmoniker et le Wiener Staatsopernchor livrent une interprétation d'une intensité et d'une clarté remarquables, soutenus par l'art vocal magistral d'Elisabeth Söderström, de Peter Dvorský et de Beno Blachut, entre autres. De plus, l'enregistrement intègre les enivrantes Lachian Dances interprétées par le London Philharmonic Orchestra sous la direction de François Huybrechts, faisant de ce coffret un véritable trésor pour les collectionneurs. Numérisé avec la technologie de pointe ADRM, cette édition importée capture parfaitement la vitalité sonore et l'intensité émotionnelle de la musique de Janáček, garantissant une expérience d'écoute inoubliable.

Product Features

Format & Packaging

• Media Format: 2-Disc Digital Recorded Set
• Packaging: Elegant DECCA vintage-style design reflecting the operatic heritage, with high-quality printed booklet and artwork
• Edition: Import release expertly remastered from analogue to digital (ADRM), ensuring superior sound quality

Musical & Production Details

• Opera Structure:
  VĚC MAKROPULOS is an opera renowned for its intricate musical language and deep philosophical themes, unfolding through powerful vocal solos, rich ensembles, and dramatic choruses.
• Conductor & Ensemble:
  Sir Charles Mackerras leads the Wiener Philharmoniker and the Wiener Staatsopernchor with precision and expressive depth.
• Vocal Excellence:
  Celebrated soloists such as Elisabeth Söderström, Peter Dvorský, and Beno Blachut, along with a distinguished supporting cast, bring life to Janáček’s vivid characters and complex emotions.
• Additional Musical Material:
  The release also presents the evocative Lachian Dances performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra under François Huybrechts, enhancing the overall musical journey.
• Production Quality:
  Utilizes state-of-the-art ADRM digital remastering to deliver high-definition sound fidelity, preserving every nuance of Janáček’s score.

Interesting Facts

English Interesting Facts

• Innovative Opera:
  VĚC MAKROPULOS is celebrated for its bold exploration of eternal themes and stands as one of Janáček’s most thought-provoking works.
• Legendary Collaboration:
  This recording unites some of the most illustrious names in opera—Sir Charles Mackerras, Elisabeth Söderström, Peter Dvorský, and Beno Blachut—with elite ensembles such as the Wiener Philharmoniker, underscoring its historical and artistic significance.
• Technological Excellence:
  Remastered using advanced ADRM technology, the recording offers an exceptionally clear and immersive audio experience, making it a must-have for audiophiles and collectors.

French Interesting Facts (Faits intéressants)

• Opéra Innovant :
  VĚC MAKROPULOS est reconnu pour son exploration audacieuse des thèmes éternels et constitue l'une des œuvres les plus stimulantes de Janáček.
• Collaboration Légendaire :
  Cet enregistrement réunit quelques-uns des noms les plus illustres de l’opéra – Sir Charles Mackerras, Elisabeth Söderström, Peter Dvorský et Beno Blachut – avec des ensembles d'élite tels que le Wiener Philharmoniker, soulignant ainsi son importance historique et artistique.
• Excellence Technologique :
  Remastérisé avec la technologie avancée ADRM, cet enregistrement offre une expérience sonore remarquablement claire et immersive, en faisant un incontournable pour les audiophiles et les collectionneurs.

Track Listing

Due to the complexity and full-length nature of Janáček’s work, the complete track listing is available in the accompanying booklet. The set encompasses all major acts and musical sections that chronicle the dramatic narrative of VĚC MAKROPULOS, along with the separate presentation of Lachian Dances. This detailed breakdown provides a movement-by-movement guide for listeners to fully appreciate the intricacies of Janáček’s composition.

Publishers

Released by The Decca Record Company Limited, London (1991).
Printed and made in Germany.
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Hashtags

English:

#Janáček #VecMakropulos #TheMakropulosAffair #CharlesMackerras #ElisabethSöderström #PeterDvorský #BenoBlachut #WienerPhilharmoniker #DeccaDigital #OperaRecording #ClassicOpera

French:

#Janáček #VecMakropulos #LAffaireMakropulos #CharlesMackerras #ElisabethSöderström #PeterDvorský #BenoBlachut #WienerPhilharmoniker #DeccaDigital #EnregistrementOpéra #OpéraClassique