To all of these virtues, in the Glagolitic Mass add the stunning singing of the Prague Philharmonic Choir and a stellar line-up of soloists (including legendary Czech tenor Beno Blachut), and the result is a performance for the ages. Charles Mackerras and Rafael Kubelik may find more energy in the Gloria and parts of the Credo, but no one matches Ancerl's particularly powerful mix of fervor and dignity in the vocal movements, and no one, but no one, makes a more joyously raucous, roof-raising, nose-thumbing, totally secular commotion in the closing "Intrada".

As remastered these performances sound better than ever: they remain among the finest to come from Supraphon and fully deserve the "10" rating. Doubters should simply listen to the incomparably grand last few minutes of Taras Bulba, from the entry of the organ on through to the end. If for any reason you haven't acquired these classic accounts of two musical masterpieces, don't hesitate any longer. There's so much musical wisdom, warmth, and life-affirming joy in these performances that I wouldn't be a bit surprised if they moved you to tears. [11/16/2002]