Jeff Dunn writes of the SF "Cunning Little Vixen": >Most people I talked to afterwards, however, liked the sets, thinking >them appropriate to the "modern music." In a way that "modern productions" quite often can be, for most audience members. >When this opera becomes overplayed enough that radical >re-interpretations seem necessary, perhaps these sets that insult >Janacek's memory should be tried again. In what way does a strong interpretation of a strong piece insult his memory? Remember that it was Janacek, in tears, who added the shooting and death of The Vixen into the sentimental folksy original. It sounds to me from the descriptions I've read as if the SF production fairly reflects the spirit of his work: this opera above all is not about soft-focus, pastoral charm. >In the meantime, truly outdoorsy sets with easier-to-decipher animal >costumes should be used to educate audiences with Janacek's original >vision, rather than poison them with falsity as I believe these SF >Opera sets do. Vehement accusations. What can have bugged Mr Dunn so deeply, in what sounds a pretty standard 21st century staging? Personally, I'm relieved his prescriptive faux-realism is a thing of the dim past. Most modern audiences will know plenty about this classic work, with multiple DVDs available as well as many live productions, so maybe the need to "educate" them comes second to entertainment, stimulation and re-interpretation. I think Mr Dunn also underestimates the scope of Janacek's "original vision" which encompasses harsh, ugly reality as well as folk comedy. Over and above the Vixen's death, read the composer-librettist's description of the final scene at the Inn, and listen to what has happened to the human characters. >As far as I'm concerned, this version is Watership Down in a sewer, >despite fabulous singing. Not, mercifully, for most of the audience - including some old and traditional-aware friends of mine, who loved it. Maybe Mr Dunn could get underneath his indignation, to examine the possibility that he has missed out on something worthwhile. As Janacek's finale reminds us, the world - and theatrical style - moves ever on. Christopher Webber, Blackheath, London, UK http://www.zarzuela.net "ZARZUELA!" The Spanish Music Site