The opening chords of Beethoven’s ‘Eroica’ Symphony are like a jolt of electricity.
Canellakis conducts Beethoven
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Music
Sir Simon Rattle leads the London Symphony Orchestra through a brilliant concert performance of Janáček’s searing opera, Jenůfa.
Jenůfa is pregnant, but she isn’t married. In her mountain village, this means disgrace or even death. Her stepmother, Kostelnička, wants to help her, but what should she do? Janáček pondered his characters’ predicament for many years. The opera he eventually completed is a blazing vision of human suffering and redemption, rooted in the rhythms of everyday life.
Conductor Emeritus Sir Simon Rattle and the LSO have presented two of Janáček’s operas to critical acclaim, and this is the next installment. Jenůfa brings together a remarkable cast, including Agneta Eichenholz’s heartbreaking portrayal of a vulnerable young Jenůfa, and Katarina Karnéus as her powerful stepmother.
***** “Rattle’s belief in this opera was everywhere evident” - Bachtrack
(Director), (Conductor), Agneta Eichenholz (Soprano (Jenufa)), Katarina Karnéus (Mezzo-Soprano (Kosteinicka)), Aleš Briscein (Tenor (Laca)), Nicky Spence (Tenor (Steva)), Jan Martiník (Bass (Starek the Foreman + Mayor)), Carole Wilson (Mezzo-Soprano (Grandmother Starenka Buryjovka)), Hanna Hipp (Mezzo-Soprano (Rychtarka the mayor's wife / Tetka)), Erika Baikoff (Soprano (Jano the shepherd boy)), Evelin Novak (Soprano (Karolka)), (Orchestra), London Symphony Chorus (Chorus), Claire Barnett-Jones (Actor - Mezzo-Soprano (Barena / Pastuchnya / voice outside))