SLAVKA PECHOCOVA SHOWS A SHARP UNDERSTANDING OF THE LANGUAGE OF JANACEK, INTENSE AND VIOLENT BUT ALSO LYRICAL AND DREAM-LIKE.
Leos Janacek (1854-1928)
Sonata 1.X.1905
On an overgrown path (Books I and II).
Reminiscence. In the mist
Slavka Pechocova (Piano)
Praga Digitals 250266
(Harmonia Mundi) 2009.7
7New
Magnificent colours and definition. A strong presence and natural skill.
A disciple of Ivan Moravec, member of the Prague Kinsky Trio and author of a thesis
on Janacek's works for piano, Slavka Pechocova quite simply makes a success of the
most exciting version in modern recording of almost the entire works of Janacek
for piano (in fact, several small pieces and the Theme and variations are missing).
Pianists who tackle this repertoire will appreciate that Slavka Pechocova is working
on the new critical edition which appeared from Arenierez Praha. A detail which is
worthy of consideration not only in terms of choice of fingering, but also the
alternative versions proposed for the Slavka Pechocova approaches the work from its narrative and lyrical point of view.
It is as if the contrasts in the sonata that are so sharp are merely a natural element
of its discourse. For other pianists, the dynamic shifts and the harmonic
singularities come across as original effects to be exploited as much as possible.
Narration is a permanent factor here, sweeping in the bass notes which resound
with an extraordinary variety of tones, from religious choral to the echo of
footsteps. Is there a version that has such a sharp sense of the spoken word? The
piano is at the same time generous and faultlessly accurate. Eloquent, orchestral
and lyrical, it reaches silence in the second movement of the sonata and some
pieces of confine Janacek's music to the mere expressionist modernity and the "Debussyists"
at the opposite end of the scale, this recording will reach the pinnacles of
discography alongside Firkusny (DG/RCA), Moravec (Hänssler) and Palenicek (Supraphon).
Stephane Friederich
Translated by Marguerite Antonio
67000 Strasbourg
