Leoš Janácek is increasingly recognized as one of the 20th century's operatic masters, while his titular 1924 beast fable, which juxtaposes the lives of rural villagers and animals—drawing a parallel between the change of seasons and the cycle of life—has won a place in the repertories of an increasing number of houses. This 1995 presentation at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris is superior in many ways to the 2008 version from the Paris Opera recently bowing on DVD (see VL-9/09). The primary reason is Sir Charles Mackerras, a specialist in Czech music, conducting the Orchestre de Paris: his reading boasts sparkle and sharpness that are lacking in the earlier mounting. Mackerras is also blessed with a superb cast, headed by Thomas Allen, firm-toned as the forester who muses about the mysteries of existence, and Eva Jenis, delightfully vivacious as the vixen he captures and tries unsuccessfully to domesticate. Despite its relatively small scale, Nicholas Hytner's staging brings out the work's charm, aided by Bob Crowley's colorful, evocative sets and costumes. The only drawback is that this version isn't technically up to contemporary standards; the visuals aren't as crisp, while the LPCM stereo track favors the orchestra over the voices. Despite these defects, this remains the best production of Janácek's marvelous opera available on DVD, and as such is highly recommended. (F. Swietek)
The Cunning Little Vixen
(1995) 97 min. In Czech w/English subtitles. DVD: $29.99. Kultur International Films (avail. from most distributors). ISBN: 978-0-7697-9024-4. Volume 26, Issue 2
The Cunning Little Vixen
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