Jenufa, Glyndebourne, near Lewes, October 24 (From The Argus)

Jenufa, Glyndebourne, near Lewes, October 24

3:33pm Monday 26th October 2009 in

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The most striking thing about Leos Janacek’s tragic opera is the music’s richness – powerful and dramatic with an air of foreboding that heightens the tension as the story of human tragedy unfolds.

But there are lighter moments of lush romanticism, too, with the blending of Moravian folk tunes so beloved by the composer. What also astonishes is the music’s contemporary feel considering it was first performed in 1904.

Conductor Robin Ticciati certainly has an understanding of the score and his encouragement inspires the orchestra.

If the music thrills then the emotion generated by the singing takes the senses to another level, inducing goose bumps with its power and intensity.

The third act in particular is the most gripping and explosive. It provides a showcase for Giselle Allen as Jenufa and Anne Mason as her stepmother – two sublime performances.

Mason’s horror and derangement is electrifying, while Allen stunningly draws out the beauty in her last two arias.

Despite the darker elements of the story – misdirected love, violent jealousy and moral cowardice and desperate infanticide – the opera delivers a strong message on redemption through forgiveness and the strength achieved through suffering.

Susan Gorton impresses as the grandmother of the two men in Jenufa’s life. Pavel Cernoch perfectly captures the weakness of a man unable to face up to his responsibility while Peter Wedd eloquently displays the passion and love he has for Jenufa.

* Next performances October 25 and 27, call 01273 813813