Jenufa (Complete opera in English)

"There are few opera composers whose language seems totally to defy time and remain as startlingly new and potent 100 years on. Janá?ek is one of them and his Jen<=fa of 1904 is as powerful today as it must have been a century ago. In the hands of that master Janá?ek conductor, Sir Charles Mackerras, this English-language recording puts a finger on the work's pulse: it's a truly magnificent achievement."
- Editor's Choice Gramophone magazine (August 2004)

"The star remains Mackerras, whose ability to pace the scenes over a large time-span creates the requisite dramatic canvas. The felicities of Janáèek's scoring emerge as if newly-minted, sometimes inspiring delight, at others horror. It is clear Mackerras has inspired the orchestra of WNO to great things. The recording enables all of the detail to come through, crystal clear. Unhesitatingly recommended."
(MusicWeb May 2004)

'The recording is based on the acclaimed production of Jenufa from Welsh national Opera, which means that both singers and players have a knowledge and obvious affection for the score from the inside adding to the sense of a live performance.'
The Guardian Classical CD of the Week

'It's an extremely effective performance of a marvellous work, and packs a powerful punch.'
Opera Now

Sir Charles Mackerras, one of the world's leading experts on Janácek's music, conducts this new recording of Jenufa, her step-daughter.

Jenufa was first performed in Janácek's home town of Brno. Twelve years later it was produced in Prague and the composer was forced to accept cuts and reorchestration of the score to soften the work's savage impact. It was only this year, on the occasion of the opera's centenary, that Brno was able to hear the music as the composer intended. It is this version which appears on this set.

Jenufa is the warmest and most lyrical of Janácek's operas, and is the ideal starting place for anyone wishing to explore this great opera composer.

The recording boasts a distinguished cast list. The two leading characters are performed by singers who have previously appeared on important recordings for Chandos - Janice Watson as Ellen in the Grammy-Award winning Peter Grimes, and Dame Josephine Barstow as Marie in the universally acclaimed Wozzeck.