Composer: Leos Janácek
Works: The Cunning Little Vixen
Performers: Eva Jenis (soprano, The Vixen), Thomas Allen (baritone, Forester), Hana Márov (mezzo, Owl), Josef Hajna (tenor, Mosquito), Richard Novák (bass, Badger), Ivan Kusnjer (baritone, Harasta), Jean-Philippe Marlière (bass, Dog), Sarah Connolly (mezzo, Innkeeper’s wife, Cock, Jay), Florence Bonnefous (soprano, Hen), François Martinaud (soprano, Woodpecker)
Recording: Live performance from Châtelet Theatre, Paris, June 1995
Label: ARTHAUS MUSIK 100 240
Janácek’s The Cunning Little Vixen, premiered in 1924, stands as a remarkable confluence of rural narrative and avant-garde musicality, derived from a newspaper comic strip that resonates with themes of nature’s cyclical essence and the interplay between human and animal worlds. This opera’s essence is steeped in the composer’s profound understanding of Moravian folk traditions and the natural world, affording it a singular place within the operatic canon. The current DVD release, recorded during a live performance at the Châtelet Theatre in Paris, represents an important visual and auditory encapsulation of Janácek’s timeless work, despite the surprising delay in its commercial availability.
Musically, this performance showcases Sir Charles Mackerras’s deep affinity for Janácek, a sentiment that permeates every nuance of the score. While the orchestral playing and vocal performances do not consistently reach the high bar set by Mackerras’s landmark Decca recording with the Vienna Philharmonic, they nevertheless embody a sincere interpretation. Mackerras’s baton guides the Orchestre de Paris with a deft hand, illuminating the lyrical beauty of Janácek’s melodic lines and the rhythmic vitality inherent in the score. The pacing is particularly noteworthy; Mackerras allows the music to breathe while maintaining a dramatic urgency that reflects the opera’s narrative arcs. Notably, the vivid orchestration in the overture sets a pastoral tone that remains palpable throughout the performance.
The cast is led by Thomas Allen’s Forester, who imbues the role with a palpable reverence for nature, articulating his character’s love for the countryside with an eloquence that resonates deeply. Eva Jenis’s portrayal of the Vixen is equally compelling; her dynamic stage presence and confident vocal delivery bring a sense of vitality to the character. Jenis navigates the complexity of the Vixen with agility, and her ability to convey a range of emotions—from playful cunning to poignant sorrow—underscores the character’s journey. While the production prioritizes the animal characters, leading to somewhat diminished portrayals of the human roles such as the schoolmaster and parson, this choice is nonetheless effective in emphasizing the opera’s thematic focus on the natural world.
Technically, the recording quality is commendable, though it does not quite achieve the pristine clarity of some earlier recordings. The sound engineering captures the ensemble’s balance well, allowing the subtleties of Janácek’s orchestration to emerge without overwhelming the singers. The subtitles are well-executed, providing an accessible experience for viewers who may be less familiar with the Czech language, although the absence of a complete libretto in the booklet is a missed opportunity for deeper engagement with the text.
The production makes excellent use of stagecraft, with vibrant costumes and imaginative sets that enhance the storytelling without overshadowing the music. The choreography of the animal characters, particularly during ensemble numbers, is executed with a delightful whimsy, showcasing the seamless integration of Janácek’s score with theatrical expression. Richard Novák’s portrayal of the Badger and Jean-Philippe Marlière’s dog offer moments of humor that punctuate the more serious themes, while still allowing the overall narrative to flow cohesively.
This recording of The Cunning Little Vixen, while not without its limitations, offers a rich and engaging experience that captures the essence of Janácek’s unique vision. The combination of Mackerras’s conducting, a strong cast, and the vibrant production values creates a compelling rendition of this enduring masterpiece, reaffirming its significance within the operatic repertoire. The DVD serves not only as a visual documentation of a live performance but as an invitation to explore the intricate beauty of Janácek’s music and the profound themes it embodies.
