Leos Janacek: Jenufa - Laila Andersson-palme,royal Swedish Orchestra & Choir,josef Cech - Audio CD (Arrives in 50 days)

Její pastorkyna (Her Stepdaughter;; commonly known as Jenufa) is an opera in three acts by Leoš Janácek to a Czech libretto by the composer, based on the play Její pastorkyna by Gabriela Preissová. Jen fa is based on a play by the Czech writer Gabriela Preissová. Set a Moravian village, it follows the travails of two half-brothers, Števa and Laca, and the woman with whom they are both in love, Jen fa. Jen fa loves Števa in return, and is secretly pregnant with his child. But, after the jealous Laca slashes her face, Števa abandons her, repelled by the disfigurement. Things only get worse for Jen fa in the second act. Laca, who now hopes to marry her instead, finds out about the child and is furious. In a desperate attempt to help, Jen fa’s stepmother kills the baby – but tells them both it died naturally. Her plan appears to work and the pair agree to marry, but the child’s body is discovered, forcing Jen fa’s stepmother to confess. The opera ends with a remarkable reconciliatory duet between Laca and Jen fa. Here Janá ek’s music gleams, luminous and hopeful after such sustained darkness.

Label: Sterling | Origin: Holland