THE MAKROPULOS CASE
Sta.—Unlike Mr. Prynn, I thought David Cairns's criticism of Rigoletto very perceptive and balanced, judging by my own experience on the first night.
On the ether hand, it seemed to me that Mr. Cairns does less than justice to The Makropulo,s. Case at Sadler's Wells. On the second night, I heard 95 per cent of the words clearly, without having read the libretto. A pity your critic was given a bad seat.
I suggest that it is not Janacek's orchestration that causes some people to find him 'still pretty odd on first acquaintance.' It is his constant use of Eastern Moravian and Slovakian modes throughout his scores. Miseducated as we are in a system dedicated almost exclusively to major and minor keys on the one hand, and atonality on the other, the normal use of modes seems strange to us. Janacek felt strongly about this, and told us after a concert in London in 1926: 'He who is rooted in folk song, becomes a complete man.'
Technically, and indeed dramatically, The Makro- pulos Case is the most mature of Janacek's works. Those who miss Charles Mackerras's fine and virile interpretation will be miss'ng an exciting experience they may well regret later.
DENNIS GRAY STOLL
9 Heath Mansions, Rushohne Road, SW15
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