#147 The Smell of Caprice

First, there's innocence. Then, duality and attack. Exhaustion of love. Humpiness of anger. Attempts of reaching out. Mockery, humiliation. So many caprices in one movement!

This recording has a firm and solid leading from both the conductor and the soloist. Across all the moods, there's constant inner shining in it.

Composer: Béla Bartók
Work: Violin Concerto No 2, II. Andante tranquillo
Recording: André Gertler, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Karel Ančerl

#100 The Smell of Show

Opulent feast! The birds are chittering, and then the big monumental wheels are starting to turn: It's show time. Circus performers, acrobats, stilts, miracles and marvels.

You need to admire Ančerl how clean, structural and picturesque sound he can squeeze out of CPO. No noise, concentration, attention to detail. Clever.

Composer: Dmitri Shostakovich
Work: Symphony No 5, II. Scherzo: Allegretto
Recording: Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Karel Ančerl