Janáček: Jenůfa - DVD

ENGLISH

Janáček: Jenůfa (OA1055D) (2009)<br /> <br /> Amanda Roocroft (Jenůfa); Deborah Polaski (Kostelnička Buryja); Nikolai Schukoff (Števa Buryja); Miroslav Dvorský (Laca Klemeň); Mette Ejsing; Chorus and Orchestra of Teatro Real<br /> <br /> The vulnerable young woman at the heart of Janacek's breakthrough opera is a signature role for the English soprano Amanda Roocroft. Here, in Stéphane Braunschweig's clear but deeply affecting production, she is partnered by the Slovak tenor Miroslav Dvorsky, as the man through whom she finds redemption, love and hope. The complex figure of the Kostelnicka becomes both tormentor and tormented in this fearless interpretation by the great dramatic soprano Deborah Polaski.<br /> <br /> "Not only did he [Ivor Bolton] conduct the score superbly, with extraordinary tension and sensitivity throughout, but drew some truly wonderful playing from his orchestra, significantly better than anything I have heard from them under other batons." (Seen and Heard International)<br /> <br /> "The sound on the DVD is fine and the balance between the singers, chorus (in its limited appearance), and orchestra is exemplary. The picture, while intentionally dark, is clear, with the costumes of the soldiers and the dancers contrasting with some needed colour. The accompanying booklet contains a detailed plot summary of each of the three acts and a diagram of the family tree, as all of the main characters are related in some way or other. In all, this DVD of Janácek’s Jenůfa is worthy of serious consideration by fans of the composer and opera lovers in general." (Musicweb International)<br /> <br /> "Something in the composer's writing brings out the best in [Amanda Roocroft's] creamy voice and committed acting, and here she's superb as a young woman who forgives her stepmother for committing a terrible crime." (Classic fM)