Janacek lovers all owe Charles Mackerras a great debt for reviving interest in the Czech composer's works. Who but Janacek could turn what could be a rather dry play into a fascinating exploration of the human soul? The singers here are all superb. The voices are absolutely steady and full of character - they sound like the people they're supposed to be playing. Collier captures the alternately bored, exasperated, impatient, and ultimately transfigured heroine to perfection. Emilia Marty isn't evil, she doesn't usually mean to be cruel, yet Collier suggests her imperious, contradictory nature very specifically. She has a voice with a thumb print, meaning it's instantly identifiable once you know it. Her male colleagues are just as good. Dempsey sings Gregor's strenuous vocal lines with casual ease. Herincx is a formidable Prus. Jenny Hill sings Krista's role with a sweet soprano. But really the entire cast is very fine.Except for a few brief radio crackles the sound is very clear. I followed the story easily so good is the diction. This is one opera that should be heard in the language of the audience and this recording shows why.