The Janacek Opera Libretti: Translations and Pronunciation, Vol. 1--Prihody lisky Bystrousky, The Cunning Little Vixen [Hardcover]

Leos Janacek (Author), Timothy Cheek (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2003 | Series: Janacek Opera Libretti: Translations and Pronunciation (Book 1)

Responding to the ever-increasing popularity and international performances of operas by the Czech composer Leo? Janácek, this volume, the first in the Janácek Opera Libretti Series, is the full translation of The Cunning Little Vixen in English alongside the original Czech. This work meets the needs of English-speaking singers, conductors, coaches, and stage directors and conveniently provides idiomatic and word-for-word translations, including translations of stage and musical directions. In addition, the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is used to indicate Czech pronunciation, following the clearly-presented method given in the author's book Singing in Czech: A Guide to Czech Lyric Diction and Vocal Repertoire, with a foreword by Sir Charles Mackerras. Cheek also provides practical notes about Janácek's style, both in general terms and specific issues relating to this opera along with a plot summary with translations and vocal ranges of characters and the pronunciation of their names.

This entire volume is organized in a clear, readable format, resulting in a book that will help to make productions of The Cunning Little Vixen in the original Czech much easier a task than ever before.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Contrary to its title, this volume does not merely provide translations and pronunciation for this opera. Fastidiously detailed discussions of the musical and extramusical aspects of the work render this an invaluable performance guide. (Journal Of Singing )

An excellent beginning to a much needed series, it is extremely thorough and beautifully done. Anybody who reads this book will know virtually everything about how to perform Prihody lisky Bystrousky! (Sir Charles Mackerras, internationally renowned conductor )

Timothy Cheek's book comes as a work of great diligence, every word of the original Czech libretto analysed and transliterated for the non-Czech speaker. From personal experience I know the great worth and value of "Prihody lisky Bystrousky," and this book will be an invaluable aid to anyone approaching the 'opera as intended', making it ever more accessible. (Sir Thomas Allen )

Timothy Cheek's wonderful Singing in Czech was of great help in preparing Leos Janácek's delightful Príhody lisky Bystrousky (The Cunning Little Vixen) at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Too often a masterpiece such as this will lay unperformed—and therefore unappreciated by audiences—solely because of the challenges presented to English-speaking artists by a Czech score. I'm hopeful Tim's diligent work—presentation of the text, followed by IPA pronunciation guide and dual translations (literal and idiomatic)—can make these works more accessible to performers and audiences alike. (Sir Andrew Davis )

Here is a most welcome libretto that reveals many treasures for the professional and amateur alike. I love the dual translations, both word for word and idiomatic, right next to the IPA pronunciation guide to these Czech lyrics. This first in a series of Janácek Opera Libretti offers many invaluable nuggets of background information; musical, linguistic, stylistic, and cultural. Keep this volume by your opera score for immediate reference. I look forward to the KATYA and JENUFA Libretti, with eager anticipation. Bravo, Tim Cheek! (Catherine Malfitano )

Language Notes

Text: Czech, English (translation)
Original Language: Czech

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press (March 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810846713
• ISBN-13: 978-0810846715
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,668,427 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Just what I needed!, May 24, 2010

By 

Gregory Reinhart (Paris, France) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Janacek Opera Libretti: Translations and Pronunciation, Vol. 1--Prihody lisky Bystrousky, The Cunning Little Vixen (Hardcover)

Explicit, pertinent information including IPA and examples, translations, and explanations, for the singer tackling this opera and wishing to give the best possible impression, without speaking the language! Although I swear every time that I will only sing in the future in a language I speak and understand, this is a great springboard with the tools to give a notable performance, of an opera that's very worthwhile and beautiful.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Invaluable Aid!, April 10, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Janacek Opera Libretti: Translations and Pronunciation, Vol. 1--Prihody lisky Bystrousky, The Cunning Little Vixen (Hardcover)

From Sir Thomas Allen, internationally acclaimed baritone, celebrated interpreter of the role of the Forester in both English and Czech productions:
ÒThe careers of most professional singers are taken up with the literature of the principle European languages, and the literature with which they become involved as part of standard repertoire. However, with the now established popularity of the works of Leos Janacek, the need for a familiarity with the Czech language has taken on a greater significance.
Translations into the vernacular exist, of course. Having sung the role of Forester on several occasions in English, it has always been a matter of great frustration when one tries to match a suitable English text to the intricate rhythms Janacek has written.
Timothy CheekÕs book comes as a work of great diligence, every word of the original Czech libretto analysed and transliterated for the non-Czech speaker. From personal experience I know the great worth and value of Prihody lisky Bystrousky, and this book will be an invaluable aid to anyone approaching the Ôopera as intendedÕ, making it ever more accessible.
It may be argued that the student ought to put horse before cart, and have the basic rudiments, and more, of the language, rather than tackling it phonetically in this way. A point well made, but I would argue the case to be made for more and more of us hearing Janacek: work with the Czech libretto. There is no substitute for that first-hand unsullied experience, in music that contains such vital rhythmic identity.Ó

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful! I can't wait for the next volumes!, April 10, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Janacek Opera Libretti: Translations and Pronunciation, Vol. 1--Prihody lisky Bystrousky, The Cunning Little Vixen (Hardcover)

From Catherine Malfitano, soprano, international interpreter of Janacek roles:
ÒHere is a most welcome libretto that reveals many treasures for the professional and amateur alike. I love the dual translations, both word for word and idiomatic, right next to the IPA pronunciation guide to these Czech lyrics. This first in a series of Janacek Opera Libretti offers many invaluable nuggets of background information; musical, linguistic, stylistic, and cultural. Keep this volume by your opera score for immediate reference. I look forward to the KATYA and JENUFA Libretti, with eager anticipation. Bravo, Tim Cheek !Ó