Two life-affirming works from Leoš Janáček’s prodigious final years are performed by the Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg under Marko Letonja, it’s Music Director from 2012 to 2021: the Glagolitic Mass, both monumental and exuberant, and the colourful, multi-faceted Sinfonietta. The vocal soloists are Malin Byström, Jennifer Johnston, Ladislav Elgr, and Adam Plachetka, who are joined by organist Johann Vexo and the Czech Philharmonic Choir of Brno – the city where Janáček made his home and which he evokes in the Sinfonietta. This recording uses a 2011 critical edition of the Glagolitic Mass which captures the true adventure and passion of Janáček’s score.The Glagolitic Mass of Leoš Janáček is a work that reconciles various contradictions, not least that Janáček was one of several agnostic composers to have written powerful sacred music. The term “Glagolitic” refers to a script used to write Old Church Slavonic, in which language the mass text appears in the work. Janáček’s conception of the work is essentially dramatic, with plenty for all four soloists to do and a stirring climax at the Crucifixus text. Janáček began work on the mass in the late 1900s decade, returning to it several times and revising it before it was finally published in 1929. A 1927 version is performed here by conductor Marko Letonja, leading the Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg and the Czech Philharmonic Choir of Brno (who have no trouble meshing despite their diverse origins). The CD booklet delves in some detail into the differences between the versions, but suffice it to say, what makes the work so fascinating is Janáček’s effort to balance the dramatic, liturgical, and nationalistic aspects of the music; it is thus valuable to have this recording. There are cleaner performances, but the engagement with the music is notable here, and the pairing of the mass with the popular Sinfonietta, a similar work in some respects, works well. All of the soloists are very strong, and this is a must for Janáček lovers.