Iona Brown conducts Bartók’s Divertimento with a wonderfully rough, earthy quality that plays up the work’s rustic nature. Rhythms are tight and crisp, aided no doubt by the scrupulously observed note values. Brown perfectly catches the outdoor joy of the first movement, interspersed as it is with troubling moments of dissonance. In the second movement, the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra vividly portrays the dark, fearful side of the village psyche, launching fully into the spirit of the finale’s jaunty dance rhythms. Janácek’s Suite for String Orchestra (1877) and Idyll (1878) are student works that not surprisingly show much promise for the future great master. They bear the heavy influence of Dvorak, and clearly inhabit the same world as that composer’s Serenade for Strings (which Janácek conducted in 1877). Though there really aren’t any hints of Janácek’s mature style in either of these pieces, as examples of late-19th century Czech chamber music they are enjoyable enough on their own. Brown leads carefully prepared and wholly affectionate readings, making these pieces a must-hear for all Janácek devotees. Chandos’ recording is unusually (for this label) close-up, allowing no escape from the aggressive bombardment of the Bartók.
