Leoš Janáček’s satirical opera The Excursions of Mr Brouček stands out as one of the composer’s most imaginative works. The story follows the misadventures of Mr Brouček, a beer-guzzling landlord who embarks on two fantastical journeys—first to the Moon and later to 15th-century Prague during the Hussite rebellion. Janáček’s distinctive musical language, characterised by concise motifs and Czech folk melodies, weaves together with the plot to create an opera of remarkable originality.

“The Excursions of Mr Brouček is probably his most eccentric opera, and for Janáček that’s really saying something. It’s beautiful, off-the-charts surreal, and nobody can really imagine what he was thinking when he wrote it.” – Sir Simon Rattle

Conductor Emeritus Sir Simon Rattle conducts the London Symphony Orchestra in a thrilling performance of this one-of-a-kind opera. With an all-star cast led by Peter Hoare as the titular anti-hero, this new addition to Rattle’s acclaimed series of Janáček’s operas offers a delightful take on this seldom-heard masterpiece.

Composer Leoš Janáček
Conductor Sir Simon Rattle
Performers London Symphony Orchestra, Peter Hoare, Aleš Briscein, Lucy Crowe, Gyula Orendt, Lukáš Zeman, Doubravka Novotná, Hanna Hipp, Arttu Kataja, Stephan Rügamer, Linard Vrielink, Tenebrae

Disc 1
The Excursions of Mr Brouček to the Moon (Výlet pana Broučka do Měsíce), JW I/7

Act One
1. Úvod (Introduction)
2. “Pak věřit mužům”
3. “Má úcta, pane domácí!”
4. “Málinko! Málinko, mám briliant!”
5. “Cha! Cha! Ký to netvor
dĕsi můj ustrnulý zrak?”
6. “Tys nikdy nemiloval”
7. “Děs vane od tebe jak od Medúzy!”

Act Two
8. “Tuto melodii, ale do bombardonu!”
9. “Bud’ vítán! Bud’ vítán,
muži osvícený!” - Tanec
10. “Pros veleducha”
11. “Pojd’ sem!”
12. “A tohle tedy zabité je zvíře?”
13. Mezihra (interlude)
14. “Čupřiny tvé stále vĕnče”

Disc 2
The Excursions of Mr Brouček to the 15th Century (Výlet pana Broučka do XV. století), JW I/7

Act Three
1. Úvod (Introduction)
2. “Byly podzemní chodby”
3. “Ó, slunce velkého dne”
4. “Tuhle cestičku si zapamatujeme!”
5. “Začíná se den Pánĕ”

Act Four
6. “Kdybych zde nesedĕl”
7. “Aj, od slova božieho?”
8. “Žel, žel, že jméno české
potupeno po všem křestanstvu”
9. “Hrrr, Tábor!”
10. “Hejsasa! Hejsasa!”
11. “Hle, tu skrčen jeden!”
12. “Šel v našem šiku z brány Špitálské”
13. Promeňa. “Ach! Ach!”

Release Date 4 September 2026
LSO0915 | 0822231191520
LSO0915-D | 0822231191568

Producer Andrew Cornall
Engineers Jonathan Stokes for Classic Sound Ltd
Recorded 4 & 6 May 2025 in the Barbican Hall, London

Digital booklet in English, French and German

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