The Cunning Little Vixen

The Cunning Little Vixen ties with Jenufa as Janacek's best operas. It has a delightful story and the music is among Janacek's most beautiful. Whether you are familiar with his music or not, this is the perfect production to get acquainted with it. Everything about this Cunning Little Vixen is a delight. The sets make good use of rapidly changing scenes, but the way they change and look are imaginative and look like woodland scenes. The costumes are suitably bright as well and the sound and picture quality are sharp. The video directing also doesn't rely on too many close-ups or anything like that, you do see and feel what is going on on screen instead of seeing people's nostrils or sweating or objects that have nothing to do with the opera. Musically, the production just sparkles with the orchestra playing charmingly and the conducting from Charles Mackerras sympathetic to Janacek's style. The performances are just wonderful, with the best being Eva Jenis' charming and appropriately girlish interpretation of the Vixen and Thomas Allen as a mellifluously sung and moving Forester. The Fox of Hana Minutillo is funny and knowing, the cock and hens section is amusing with the clucking adding to the scene rather than distracting from it. All the other animals are excellent, with Jean-Phillippe Marliere as the Dog showing the most character. In conclusion, delightful across the board. 10/10 Bethany Cox