Janacek: Orchestral Works Vol 1 [Incls 'Sinfonietta']

"the wonderfully quirky instrumentation of piano left hand, flute/piccolo, trumpets, trombones and tenor tuba against the Capriccio...makes these splendidly vivid performances most welcome. The Vixen suite, in Mackerras's restoration, completes an exhilarating disc." (Sunday Times)

"this release represents an auspicious beginning to a new series of Janácek orchestral works. Gardner really is a good conductor. He plays the Sinfonietta swiftly and, happily, without an inappropriate effort to polish the music's rough edges.Jean-Efflam Bavouzet plays a mean Capriccio, another swift performance, especially in the third movement, which the brass handle with aplomb. This is such a weird piece that you can do almost anything with it (or to it) and have it come out successfully, but Bavouzet's fluidity in the spiky solo part, and the excellence of the ensemble generally, disarm criticism. Finally, Mackerras' version of the Vixen suite is surely the way to play it, and Gardner doesn't put a foot wrong. (9/9 ClassicsToday Oct 2014)

"Janácek is a superb composer who retains his popularity when many of his contemporaries have faded from the scene. I found the disc a worthwhile listen... wonderfully performed." (AudAud Jan 2016)