Janáček Jenůfa opera to a libretto by the composer. Directed 2021 by Claus Guth at the Royal Opera House. Stars Asmik Grigorian (Jenůfa), Elena Zilio (Grandmother Buryjovka), Nicky Spence (Laca Klemeň), Yaritza Véliz (Jana), David Stout (Foreman at the Mill), Saimir Pirgu (Števa Buryja), and Karita Mattila (Kostelnička Buryjovka). Henrik Nánási conducts the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House (Principal Guest Concert Master Vasko Vassilev) and the Royal Opera Chorus (Chorus Director William Spaulding). Designs by Michael Levine; costume design by Gesine Völlm; lighting design by James Farncombe; choreography by Teresa Rotemberg. Directed for TV by Rhodri Huw. Sung in Czech. Released 2022, disc has 5.1 dts-HD Master Audio sound. Grade: NA
According to Steven Jude Tietjen in the February 2023 Opera News (pages 48-49), both Grigorian and Mattila give “indelible, devastating performances” in this “visually arresting production from Claus Guth.” Both singing actresses are able to “convey oceans of humanity with a single gesture.” Tietjen also praises Nánási for a reading of the score that is both modern and evocative of bygone days. Mike Ashman, writing in the 2022 Gramophone Awards Issue (page 114) explains how Guth, in “experimental postmodern” mode, “refuses to kowtow to comfortable rustic romanticism.” If you want to know that he means by this, just watch the trailer below.
So this would seem to be an excellent choice for an up-to-date Jenůfa. But Ashman warns this may be unpleasant to those who admire a traditional depiction of Janáček’s “unrelentingly naturalistic drama.” For such a softer show, consider the Teatro Real production (with Amanda Roocroft as Jenůfa) released in 2011.
Here’s a trailer from the Royal Opera House:
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