This is the second time Sir Simon Rattle records Janáček’s “The Cunning Little Vixen”. The previous version was released as part of Chandos’ Opera in English series with the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. The older version’s cast was especially synonymous with English music, making that recording work extremely well in the translated performance. This time, Rattle performs the original Czech text, with no less distinguished artists.
The difference between the two versions seems to represent the somewhat ambiguous Character of the opera – partly comical, partly tragic. The Chandos Royal Opera House version is more cheerful and light, emphasized by the translation. Rattle’s new cast takes a more angular view, seeing the drama from a new perspective.
All the solo voices are equally matched, creating uniformity across the performance. Lucy Crowe as Bystrouška brings a cheekiness, sharpness, even viciousness, but all with charm, truly personifying the opera’s namesake. Revírník is taken by Gerald Finley, who’s richness brings an authoritarian feel to the role, with formidable characterization. The part of the Rector is sung by Peter Hoare, who’s more lyrical tenor tone contrasts and complements the other singers. Jan Martiník brings a slightly sinister and serious characterization to his portrayal of Jezevec. Soprano Sophia Burgos as Lišák brings a different voice to Crowe’s, which works well to distinguish the two parts in their scene on act 2.
Overall, the diction of the cast is mostly clear, making it easy to follow the story. The orchestral sound in the instrumental episodes is good, but distinctively diverging from the Covent Garden version. The act 1 interlude, with its gentle lilting and melodious woodwind lines, grows aptly, the strings sound more delicate, the brass swells are more measured and the percussion less prominent, which serves to add a level of punctuation and aids the more refined approach.
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The booklet gives some insightful background from Rattle and a comprehensive synopsis. Yet a full libretto is not included in the booklet, and it’s down to the listener to seek it elsewhere (available online but not officially by the label). A full libretto and translation would have elevated this release significantly, especially considering the language barriers. This new version in its original language allows Rattle to fully realize the rawness and honesty of the text. The orchestral playing, vocal performances and strength of the Rattle’s understanding and affinity with Janáček come across with conviction.
Completing this release is a performance of the well-known Sinfonietta, again a second for the conductor. Rattle’s first recording gained much attention, but now there is deeper insight, the textures are refined, crisp and crystal clear throughout. The scene painting in each of the five movements is vivid and the playing from the London Symphony Orchestra exemplary.
Both works, captured live in the far-from-ideal acoustics of London’s Barbican Concert Hall, sound disappointingly dry, preventing these distinctive performances from truly shining through. It’s a pleasing listen, though, quite different to Rattle’s previously highly regarded recordings of both works. Despite the minor reservations, a recommended acquisition that no Rattle fan will want to be without.
Janáček – The Cunning Little Vixen, Sinfonietta, Op. 60
London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus
Sir Simon Rattle – Conductor
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