Jenufa (bluray)
Label: BBC Catalog: OA BD7089D Format: EJSING; DVORSKÝ; SCHUKOFF; POLASKI; ROOCROFT; SZEMERÉDY; SOLA; MATHÉU; UBIETA; SUÁREZ; FERRÁNDEZ; POESINA; MAKHMOUTOVA;Jenufa was Janacek’s first successful opera, It receives a magnificent performance in this production from Teatro-Real filmed December 22, 2009. This site mentioned a fine DVD from Liceu featuring Nina Stemme and Eva Marton. This new one is even better. Sets, by Stéphane Braunschnenbroecke (who also directed), are basic and effective with a stark quality perfectly suited to the tragic plot. Thibault Vancraenenbroeck’s costumes could not be bettered. What a magnificent opera Jenufa is, particularly when it boasts the fine cast seen here. Amanda Roocroft and Deborah Polaski are perfect in their demanding roles of the betrayed Jenufa and her demanding stepmother. Polaski, often a bit over-taxed recently in Wagner and Strauss, has no problems whatever with the role of Kostelnicka; her imperious portrayal gets to the core of the troubled woman. The entire cast is superb. Major pluses here are the chorus and orchestra under director Ivor Bolton who is a master of Janacek’s score. Andy Ross’ audio could not be improved, and video supervised by Angel Luyis Ramirez has the camera always in the right place. I’ve seen the Blu Ray version, and it is a feast for the eyes. This is an essential release! © 2012 ClassicalCDReview.com Price: $57.98 |