[Nicksievers]

Can someone point me in the right direction for understanding Janacek's harmonic world. Is it modal? chromatic? I know he uses a lot of simple folk melodies but he harmonizes them with such a unique sound.

 

[Phil loves classical]

It is modal from the works I have in mind, I believe the Idyll from suite for strings and the melody in Sinfonietta.

 

[VishnuB]

You might find the references Janáček Studies, The Symphonic Works of Leoš Janáček, Leoš Janáček: Life, Work, and Contribution, "Precursors of Janáček's Operas 'Její pastorkyňa' (Jenůfa)," and "'Zdenka' Tema con Variazioni: An Analysis of Leoš Janáček's Early Style" helpful.

 

[R3PL4Y]

I am far from an expert, but I am aware that Janacek made use of some whole tones at least in the Sinfonietta.