In brief with Roman Janál
Baritone Roman Janál is preparing for a Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra pre-Christmas concert in which, under the baton of Marek Šedivý, he will perform in Missa brevis pastoralis by Jiří Pavlica.
This won’t be your first encounter with Pavlica’s work, I believe?
Far from it. The very first was connected to the oratorio “Pilgrims’ Gate”, inspired by the legacy of St. Vojtěch. At Jiří’s request I took the baritone part in the premiere production of this gorgeous piece in 2010. From our first meeting, Jiří and I had the sense that our souls had a lot in common, and a very rare and spontaneous friendship was born. At the same time, other joint concerts followed, including at Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, on the occasion of Cyril and Methodius’s anniversary in 2013.
What draws you to Jiří Pavlica as a writer?
He represents an original, one-of-a-kind figure in our musical culture. His work speaks to, pleases and uplifts a broad spectrum of the public and touches the souls and hearts of people of all generations. His musical language is an elixir in a period when negativity, self-regard and the consumer lifestyle are all too common. Jiří is further proof of God’s work.
On the subject of concert projects, you have an interesting occasion ahead of you in Bratislava.
In January I will perform a Schumann programme as part of a Slovak Philharmonic series of chamber evenings. Alongside the cycle A Poet’s Love and a selection from the Liederkreis cycle, I’m going to include several poems by Clara Schumann as a curiosity. After a long pause I’m going to meet Marian Lapšanský on one stage in Bratislava; in my view, he’s done a lot for chamber music and I greatly respect his art.
You’re preparing for the title role of Dmitri Shostakovich’s one-act opera Orango at the National Theatre, after the recent premiere of Fibich’s Fall of Arkun. How are the rehearsals going?
We’re still only starting to rehearse, so apart from the stage set I can’t tell you much. In musical terms, I would assess it as a sarcastic and humorous opera with a clear social purpose.
To finish in a festive atmosphere, which by the way the PRSO’s concert on 22.12 will no doubt add to, tell us what’s essential to Christmas in the Janál household.
It always takes place in a spirit of calm and love, God’s grace and blessing, an aromatic, lit-up tree, intoxicating Christmas goodies and joy in our hearts!
