Janacek: Jenufa (In English) - Fine, Shuard, Cochran, Dempsey, Begg, Van Allen; Mackerras. London, 1974
$8.95
 - Fine, Shuard, Cochran, Dempsey, Begg, Van Allen; Mackerras. London, 1974 "Pin It")
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Leoš Janáček never intended his best-known opera to be called Jenůfa. That title was coined by German opera houses, early champions of the work. Janáček's original title, Její pastorkyňa ("Her Stepdaughter"), makes it clear where he thought the opera’s focus should lie: on Kostelnička. Performances like this one, featuring the incomparable Amy Shuard in the "title role" of Kostelnička, illustrate why.
Shuard portrays Kostelnička not as a stern dowager but as a fragile woman whose obsession with societal norms and fierce protectiveness of Jenůfa drive her to unthinkable acts. Wendy Fine is excellent in the titular role of Jenůfa, her voice youthful yet rich, capturing the character's intelligence and strength despite her age and past mistakes. William Cochran is also outstanding as Laca, bringing depth and complexity to his role.
The sound quality is good.
OD 10705-2
