Description
Book SynopsisThis double volume contains two masterpieces of the Czech composer Leoš Janácek. Jenufa was the opera which finally brought him international recognition and, with it, fame at home. Based on Ostrovsky's The Storm, Katya Kabanova contains wonderful music inspired by the composer's love for a much younger woman. The scores are discussed by Arnold Whittall, and the background sources are variously introduced by social and literary historians. John Tyrell comments on an important letter about the genesis of Katya; Sir Charles Mackerras describes his work as an interpreter and advocate of this brilliantly original and dramatic music.Contents: A National Composer Jaroslav Krejci; Drama into Libretto, Karel Brusak; The Challenge from Within: Janácek's Musico-dramatic Mastery, Arnold Whittall; Janácek and Czech Realism, Jan Smaczny; Jenufa: Libretto by Leoš Janácek; Jenufa: English translation by Otakar Kraus and Edward Downes; A Russian Heart of Darkness, Alex de Jonge; Janácek's forgotten c
Trade ReviewBrilliantly produced and superb value. * The Sunday Times *
All these will provide the new opera-goer with food for thought. * The Daily Telegraph *
Wholehearted recommendation of this valuable new series. * TLS *
