Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Leoš Janáček's "Osud" (Fate), a profound chamber music experience released on September 1, 1999, under the esteemed Chandos label. This album, spanning a rich 78 minutes, is a testament to Janáček's masterful composition, offering a deep dive into the intricate and evocative narrative of fate and human emotion.
"Osud" is a three-act opera, beautifully rendered in a chamber music setting, showcasing Janáček's unique ability to blend orchestral and vocal elements into a cohesive and compelling whole. The album features a stellar cast of singers and musicians, each bringing their unique talents to life through Janáček's intricate score.
From the opening orchestral pieces to the poignant arias and ensemble numbers, "Osud" takes you on a journey through a tapestry of human experiences. The opera's libretto, also by Janáček, explores themes of love, loss, and the inexorable force of fate, all set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Czech society.
The album's standout tracks include the hauntingly beautiful "Never will I forget this fleeting moment!" from Act I, the tender and intimate "I do, I do!" from Act II, and the powerful ensemble piece "Mummy, Mummy! Do you know what love is?" from Act III. Each track is a masterclass in musical storytelling, showcasing Janáček's ability to convey complex emotions through his distinctive compositional style.
"Osud" is not just an opera; it's a musical exploration of the human condition, a testament to Leoš Janáček's genius, and a must-listen for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of classical music. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or a newcomer to the world of chamber music, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
1999 Chandos Records1999 Chandos Records
Tracks
Osud (Fate), JW I/5, Act I: OrchestraLeoš Janáček, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra
Osud (Fate), JW I/5, Act I: Orchestra - Free as a bird I bask in the sunshine (Míla, Lhotský, Dr Suda, Poet, First Lady, Second LaLeoš Janáček, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Helen Field, Stuart Kale, Barry Mora, Christine Teare, Elisabeth Gaskell, Dorothy Hood
Osud (Fate), JW I/5, Act I: Heavens, it's him! (Míla, Lhotský, Dr Suda, Živný, Konečný)Leoš Janáček, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Helen Field, Philip Langridge, Stuart Kale, Barry Mora, Mark Holland
Osud (Fate), JW I/5, Act I: Is it your child you've come for? (Míla, Lhotský, Dr Suda, Miss Stuhlá, Míla's Mother, Councillor's WiLeoš Janáček, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Helen Field, Stuart Kale, Barry Mora, Catriona Bell, Kathryn Harries, Gaynor Keeble
Osud (Fate), JW I/5, Act I: Sun in the heavens up on high (Lhotský, Dr Suda, Miss Stuhlá, Chorus)Leoš Janáček, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Stuart Kale, Barry Mora, Catriona Bell, Welsh National Opera Chorus
Osud (Fate), JW I/5, Act I: We're back too late (Míla, Živný)Leoš Janáček, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Helen Field, Philip Langridge
Osud (Fate), JW I/5, Act I: The sun's vanished (Míla, Živný)Leoš Janáček, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Helen Field, Philip Langridge
Osud (Fate), JW I/5, Act I: Never will I forget this fleeting moment! (Míla, Lhotský, Dr Suda, Živný, Konečný, Míla's Mother, FančLeoš Janáček, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Helen Field, Philip Langridge, Stuart Kale, Barry Mora, Mark Holland, Kathryn Harries
Osud (Fate), JW I/5, Act II: Orchestra - Slumber on undisturbed in the shadow (Živný, Míla)Leoš Janáček, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Helen Field, Philip Langridge
Osud (Fate), JW I/5, Act II: Piano - I do, I do! (Míla, Živný)Leoš Janáček, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Helen Field, Philip Langridge
Osud (Fate), JW I/5, Act II: We're married now (Živný)Leoš Janáček, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Philip Langridge
Osud (Fate), JW I/5, Act II: Mummy, Mummy! (Míla, Živný, Doubek, Míla's Mother)Leoš Janáček, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Helen Field, Philip Langridge, Kathryn Harries, Samuel Linay
Osud (Fate), JW I/5, Act II: Unspoken thoughts go far beyond words (Živný, Doubek, Míla's Mother)Leoš Janáček, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Philip Langridge, Kathryn Harries, Samuel Linay
Osud (Fate), JW I/5, Act III: Orchestra - Listen to the thunder over the horizon (Chorus)Leoš Janáček, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Welsh National Opera Chorus
Osud (Fate), JW I/5, Act III: Endless the pain I must suffer (Hrazda, Verva, Součková, Chorus)Leoš Janáček, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Peter Bronder, Barry Mora, Yolande Jones, Welsh National Opera Chorus
Osud (Fate), JW I/5, Act III: Orchestra - Enough of that! (Verva, Hrazda, Součková, Chorus)Leoš Janáček, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Peter Bronder, Barry Mora, Yolande Jones, Welsh National Opera Chorus
Osud (Fate), JW I/5, Act III: Mummy, Mummy! Do you know what love is? (Živný, Verva, Hrazda, Součková, Kosinská, Chorus)Leoš Janáček, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Philip Langridge, Peter Bronder, Barry Mora, Yolande Jones, Christine Teare, Welsh National Opera Chorus
Osud (Fate), JW I/5, Act III: People said it must have been his falling in love (Živný, Součková, Kosinská, Doubek, Chorus)Leoš Janáček, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Philip Langridge, Yolande Jones, Christine Teare, Michael Preston-Roberts, Welsh National Opera Chorus
Osud (Fate), JW I/5, Act III: Bitter memories! (Živný, Verva, Chorus)Leoš Janáček, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Philip Langridge, Barry Mora, Welsh National Opera Chorus
Osud (Fate), JW I/5, Act III: It seems to be so clear (Živný, Doubek, Verva, Kosinská, Chorus)Leoš Janáček, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Philip Langridge, Barry Mora, Michael Preston-Roberts, Christine Teare, Welsh National Opera Chorus