Customer Reviews

Janácek: The Cunning Little Vixen

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Opera in 3 acts by Leos Janacek Soloists, Prague National Chorus & Orchestra Supraphon Records, SU 3071-2 612

For those music lovers - myself included - who feel that Sir Charles Mackerras' recordings of the Janacek operas are the ultimate interpretations, this set will come as a revelation. I have owned and adored Sir Charles' recording of "The Cunning Little Vixen" on vinyl. But I recently added the Prague National Theatre recording to my CD collection, and I'm delighted with it. Although this Prague recording is older (1970) than the Mackerras (1981), it did earn several prizes in international recording competitions shortly after it was released. The sound quality is quite acceptable by today's standards.

No, the Prague National Theatre Orchestra is not the Vienna Philharmonic, which Sir Charles conducts. But then, how many opera orchestras - including the Met - are the equal of the Vienna Philharmonic? There are also no world-renowned soloists in the Prague recording. But what this recording lacks in world-class performers it makes up in magnetism and enthusiasm. I get the feeling that the ensemble and soloists all have this music in their blood and love it. Soprano Helena Tattermuschova is especially impressive in the title role.

Here is a recording that I shall return to with pleasure; I recommend it without reservation. The set includes a complete libretto with translations in English, German and French, and a separate booklet with a synopsis of the story, background information on the opera's composition, and biographies of the conductor and leading singers. If you are already enthusiastic about the operas of Janacek, give this set a try. And if you are not familiar with this early 20th Century Czech composer, this recording is an excellent place to begin.

I love the music of Janacek, particularly his operas, and like many Janacek-lovers, I own the Mackerras versions. Last month, I bought this set based on the recommendation of Amazon reviewer (hopefully still here) "Howard in Philly". I could tell by the way he expressed himself that he knew what he was talking about; and that he and I shared similar approaches to music.

He was not wrong! My thoughts: This "Vixen" is much more the music-drama than the Mackerras. It is wrought with a deeper understanding, I feel, of the material. The tempi are slower throughout, but I sense a greater depth in this treatment. Like the Klemperer and Harnoncourt Beethoven sets, this Vixen is interpreted so differently from the Mackerras and yet each remains wonderfully fulfilling in its own way!

Given this purchasing experience, I love that Amazon provides this service, for owners to share their thoughts and experiences. Thanks to Amazon and to "Howard in Philly"!

I first heard this recording over 25 years ago and I haven't tired of it since. I feel that this recording reflects the opera's roots in Czech folklore better than the Makerras/Popp/Vienna Philharmonic production. Popp, known primarily for her roles singing light-lyric or coloratura roles, does not bring the depth that this opera requires. This recording, dating back to the early 70's, is not of the same technical quality of the Makerras one. But to my way of thinking, I'd rather hear a greater performance than a finer recording.