Władysław Żeleński (1837–1921) was a neo-Romantic from southern Poland whose compositions were infused with evocative national colour and character. His opera Janek draws on local atmosphere and traditional music but also makes use of the emotive Italian verismo style. Set in the Tatra Mountains, the tragic drama of Janek weaves an entangled tale of romantic attachments and deception, set in motion after the eponymous hero and leader of a band of robbers, arrives wounded at the cottage of the charming Bronka.

Władysław Żeleński is known as a successor to Stanisław Moniuszko, but beyond some chamber music on Polish labels such as Dux and Acte Préable very little of his music is known in modern recordings. One or two arias from Janek have appeared on recital programmes, but this world premiere of a complete modern recording of this opera has to be counted as something of a coup in a work that achieved popularity in its day and was given its premiere at the opening of the Lviv Municipal Theatre in 1900. Janek has only really been recognised and appreciated within the borders of Poland, but with its blend of folk music and high drama Janek has all of the tragic weight you could ask for in a Romantic opera from any country.

This concert performance of Janek was part of a series of concerts in Lublin that celebrated Władysław Żeleński’s music in marking the 100th anniversary of his death. With its superb cast and world class orchestra under the baton of artistic director Wojciech Rodek – ‘one of two or three most talented conductors of the younger generation’ – this recording represents a significant event that we are delighted to be making available for everyone to experience and enjoy.

Cast:
- Bronka: Małgorzata Grzegorzewicz-Rodek (soprano)
- Marynka: Agnieszka Kuk (soprano)
- Janek: Łukasz Gaj (tenor)
- Stach: Paweł Trojak (baritone)
- Marek: Dariusz Górski (bass)
- Highlander 1: Dawid Jarząb (tenor)
- Highlander 2: Mateusz Słonina (bass)