Description
Book SynopsisCzech composer Leoš Janácek's most famous opera, Jenufa is a harrowing tale of forbidden love, abandonment, hypocrisy, desperation, and tragic infanticide. As today's second most frequently performed Czech opera (following Dvorák's Rusalka), Jenufa holds a prominent place in international opera repertoire and continues to draw the attention of new audiences. Drawing on both scholarly studies and production experience, Timothy Cheek presents an original English-language translation of the original Czech libretto. As with the first two books in the Janácek Opera Libretti series (Príhody lišky Bystroušky, The Cunning Little Vixen and Kát'a Kabanová), this volume consists of two parts. Part One gives background on the opera, a discussion about the various voice types and roles, Janácek's style and Czech performance traditions, Czech folk costumes, and a summary of Czech pronunciation and inflection. Part Two provides the original Czech libretto, word-for-word English translations, idiomati
Trade ReviewAn invaluable resource for any singer or coach studying Jenůfa. Timothy Cheek is a master Czech specialist and this is a throughly comprehensive exploration into the pronunciation and comprehension of the plot and text of Janáček's masterpiece. This is a book that should be in every singer's library as they prepare for a production of Jenůfa. -- Sean Panikkar, renowned international tenor
Timothy Cheek’s books have been indispensable for me at every stage of learning a part, from the initial encounter with the diction and background of the piece to the mastering the finer points of interpretation. The precision with which he approaches the subject is staggering, and I consult the books over and over; I would not travel to a production without them! In opening the Czech repertoire to English speakers Timothy Cheek has made an invaluable contribution, one crucial to my career. What is more, the love for the music underlying his scholarship has been a source of inspiration. With the “Jenufa” volume, Timothy Cheek sheds light on one of the most moving and beautiful operas ever written. I am sure singers, teachers, coaches, anybody who loves this music will benefit greatly from it. -- Dina Kuznetsova, soprano, internationally acclaimed opera singer and recitalist
Timothy Cheek's word-for-word translations and IPA of Jenůfa have been very helpful in preparing for our production at San Francisco Opera! -- Gregory Henkel, Director of Artistic and Music Planning, San Francisco Opera
Table of ContentsPart One Opera Essentials 1 Jenůfa: Words and Music 2 Czech Pronunciation and Inflection Part Two IPA and English Translations 3 Act I 4 Act II 5 Act III
