Many collectors have come to appreciate the life-enhancing operas of Leoš Janáček through performances, whether on stage or on disc, led by the incomparable Sir Charles Mackerras, whose passionate advocacy of the composer remains unrivalled. Today, Sir Simon Rattle continues this proud tradition with his riveting cycle of Janáček operas, performed in concert with the London Symphony Orchestra in a series that is rapidly becoming one of the crowning achievements of the extensive LSO Live catalogue. The latest addition, a handsomely presented set of Janáček’s third opera, Jenůfa, stands as a testament to Rattle’s deep affinity with the composer’s music. It not only enriches the SACD catalogue but also further cements Rattle’s reputation as arguably the finest living interpreter of Janáček’s distinctive and emotionally charged musical language.

Rattle has assembled a superb cast for his performance of the work, led by Swedish soprano Agneta Eichenholz in the title role. Eichenholz brings her lovely, expressive voice and keen intelligence to bear on the character’s turbulent emotional journey, masterfully conveying each shift in feeling as the drama unfolds. Her singing remains firm and radiant throughout, showing no sign of strain even in negotiating the composer’s complex and demanding rhythms.

Another remarkable performance comes from Swedish mezzo-soprano Katarina Karnéus, who delivers a riveting portrayal of the Kostelnička, Jenůfa’s stepmother. Karnéus captures the character’s progression from icy control in Act I to overwhelming guilt and remorse with striking conviction, while maintaining a vocal beauty and line that never lapses into harshness or unsteadiness. The two male leads, Laca and Števa, are equally well cast. Czech tenor Aleš Briscein sings Laca with idiomatic authenticity and an emotional depth clearly born from his considerable experience of the role, while Nicky Spence gives a passionate and vivid performance as Števa, his dissolute half-brother. Together, they offer strong characterisation and their sharply contrasting vocal timbres heighten the dramatic tension of the work.

The supporting cast delivers a consistently outstanding performance, with every member contributing to the seamless whole – there are no weak links. The London Symphony Chorus, in particular, provides vibrant and disciplined backing, whether portraying villagers, recruits, musicians or servants, their voices adding depth and energy to the performance.

It is no surprise that Rattle’s profound connection with Janáček’s music has resulted in a searing and unforgettable interpretation of this masterpiece, one that the composer’s admirers shouldn’t miss. His conducting captures the emotional sweep and luminous radiance of the score, yet he never loses sight of the essential structural integrity and rhythmic drive. The London Symphony Orchestra responds with playing that is nothing short of remarkable – eloquent, impassioned, and compelling from every section, creating a performance that is as powerful as it is engaging.

Jenufa was recorded live in DSD 256fs on 11th and 14th January 2024 in the Barbican Hall. London and the Classic Sound team of Jonathan Stokes and Neil Hutchinson have achieved a crisply focused and immediate sound quality with a wide soundstage on this 5.1 multi-channel SACD. Balance between orchestra and singers is excellent with the Barbican acoustic providing a welcome if unexpected warmth.

Presentation of this release is exemplary as we have come to expect from these recent LSO Live releases. The two discs are housed in cardboard sleeves within a slim cardboard box – a pleasing eco-friendly approach – while a generous 139-page booklet includes artist biographies, perceptive notes and a synopsis of the work from Nigel Simeone and the essential Czech/English libretto.

There can be little doubt that this exceptional performance marks yet another triumph for Sir Simon and the London Symphony Orchestra. It leaves this listener eagerly anticipating the release of subsequent operas in this cycle, each to be, hopefully, as remarkable as this one.

I can’t recommend this set highly enough.

Copyright © 2025 Graham Williams and HRAudio.net

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