Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Despite an ailing singer, last night’s searing performance of JENUFA at the Met was the perfect Halloween treat

• By drediman
• November 1, 2016
• No Comments

Oksana Dyka, Karita Mattila, and the company of “Jenufa” at The Metropolitan Opera

While folks were out trick or treating last night, I spent my Halloween at the Metropolitan Opera, where I caught a searing performance of Leoš Janáček’s Jenufa. Appropriate for the holiday, the opera’s plot is pyschologically terrifying, centering on the murder of an infant. But beyond that horrific act, Jenufa, with its rich but unsettled score, just might be one of the most profoundly human operas of the 20^th century. There’s really no antagonist in this tale of a naive, love sick girl (the titular Jenufa) and her domineering, reputation-focused stepmother (the Kostelnička). Lessons are hard-won and the opera’s characters have the scars to prove it – literally and figuratively.

Oliver Tambosi’s production starts off a bit unevenly in the first act, but he just nails the psychological nuances of the second and third acts with a harrowing directorial vision that uses both symbolism (the rock metaphor plays a big role in Mr. Tambosi’s production) and naturalism. Last night’s cast was mostly exceptional. In the title role, soprano Oksana Dyka was heartbreaking. Even if her penetrating sound isn’t the prettiest (last night, her upper register sounded quite shrill), her portrayal of a woman’s journey from girlish guilelessness to deep wisdom was the emotional heart of the production. The wonderful soprano Karita Mattila, who has specialized in Janáček heroines over her great career (including Jenufa) played the more mature role of Kostelnička with unforgettable intensity. Unfortunately, the robust tenor Daniel Brenna was obviously struggling vocally and had to partially withdraw from the third act (he mimed the part as his understudy bravely sang off to the side). Admirable performances were also given by Joseph Kaiser and Hanna Schwarz.

The mighty Met orchestra sounded wonderful, as always, last night. American conductor David Robertson drew a searching, yearning, but ultimately triumphant reading of the score from the players.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

JENUFA
Opera
The Metropolitan Opera
3 hours (with two intermissions)
In repertory through November 17