Janacek

Jenufa

Brouwenstijn, Delorie, Kachel, Zidek; Krombholc
The Hague, 1960

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Jenůfa

Gré Brouwenstijn assumes the title role in Jenůfa with a portrayal marked by considerable emotional breadth, tracing the character’s progression from youthful hope through profound despair to a state of forgiveness that carries an almost spiritual resonance. Annie Delorie, as Kostelnička, brings a naturally warm mezzo timbre that softens a role often perceived as emotionally austere. This warmth contributes to a more nuanced presentation of the character’s inner conflict, illuminating both her deep affection for Jenůfa and the psychological burden underlying her tragic crime.

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David R.✓ Top Reviewer

United States

Overall rating

Terrific Performance in Excellent Sound!

Opera Depot has many Jenufas in its catalog; ironically, none of them are in the original Czech. A few are in German, most are in English, and this one is in Dutch. It doesn't matter. Jenufa works in almost any language, its theme of sin and redemption soaring over everything else in the finale.I'm starting to think there was nothing that Gre Brouwenstijn couldn't sing well. Opera Depot has her Tosca, Amelia, Forza Leonore. Fidelio, and Elisabeth among other portrayals and here she is in yet another, very different role. She sings gloriously and is heartbreaking in her second act prayer scene. Annie Delorie was usually heard in deeper mezzo roles (she's the Ulrica in the Ballo with Brouwenstijn), but she shows here that the higher tessitura of the Kostelnicka poses no problems for her. Her portrayal is less hysterical than Varnay's or Rysanek's, but is often more effective because of it. Jaroslav Kachel and Ivo Zidek relearned their roles in Dutch for these performances. Both are excellent, contrasting well with each other. The supporting cast is equally good. Jaroslav Krombholc leads a sizzling performance. The sound is superb; a Dutch announcer gives us the complete cast after Acts One and Two. The only thing I will be cranky about is the poorly chosen disc break, but that's it.All lovers of this opera or the singers should have this.
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