Description

The vulnerable young woman at the heart of Janacek’s breakthrough opera is a signature role for the English soprano Amanda Roocroft. Here, in Stphane 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. Press Reviews “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) “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 Jancek’s Jen?fa is worthy of serious consideration by fans of the composer and opera lovers in general.” (Musicweb International) “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) CastAmanda Roocroft (Jen?fa)Deborah Polaski (Kostelni?ka Buryja)Nikolai Schukoff (`teva Buryja)Miroslav Dvorsk (Laca Kleme?)Mette Ejsing Chorus and Orchestra of Teatro RealStage Director: Stphane Braunschweig Catalogue Number: OABD7089DRunning Time: 136 minutesSound: 2.0LPCM + 5.1(5.0) DTSAspect Ratio: 16:9Subtitles: EN, FR, DE, ESLabel: Opus Arte Review 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 Amanda Roocroft is a remarkable Jenufa,fragile,a little silly,as she should be,but hugely emotionally engaged. Performance **** Picture & Sound *** –BBC Music Magazine,Nov’11 Amanda Roocraft has become the go-to-Jancek soprano of late.and with good reason.Someting in the composer’s writing brings out the best in her creamy voice and commited acting,and here she’s superb as a young woman who forgives her stepmother for commiting a terrible crime. *** –Classic fm Magazine,Nov’11 Amanda Roocroft has won laurels as Jenufa in various stage productions and comes across as a deeply sincere performer here. –Gramophone,Nov’11