Jan Werich – Gramotingltangl 8CD

This eight-CD Czech-language collection presents Jan Werichs appearances on Gramotingltangl, a programme by Ji Such broadcast by Czechoslovak Radio from October 1965 until the summer of 1968. The increasingly popular half-hour programme featured Suchs witty reflections accompanied by music from gramophone records, with contributions from Miroslav Hornek, Ivan Vyskoil and Ji litr; some episodes were also hosted by the duo imek and Grossmann. From October 1966 until the summer of 1967, Jan Werich appeared irregularly in more than thirty broadcasts, developing reflections on a wide range of subjects in his unmistakable style. Unlike Ji Suchs Gramotingltangl, where the music was an integral part of the programme, the music in Werichs prepared texts served mainly as an interlude. Much of this music has been removed from this collection, placing the emphasis on Werichs storytelling. His appearances usually ended with music by Jaroslav Jeek, or compositions by V+W+J, and these transitions between individual Gramotingltangls have been retained. The archive of Czech Radio yielded eleven original half-hour recordings, while most of the missing sections are supplemented by amateur recordings of radio programmes from Karel Kolis archive. Thanks to Czech Radio and Supraphon, this collection presents Werichs view of the world and his thoughts, told with the characteristic wit, insight, sensitivity and intelligence of a creative genius. Alongside the programmes Tto, povdej!, these Gramotingltangls represent one of Jan Werichs most important collaborations with Czechoslovak Radio.