Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈɛnjuːfə] (IPA) 
Jenufa is a common Czech name that is often used in literature and opera. Its exact spelling and pronunciation can be a bit confusing for non-Czech speakers, however. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word Jenufa is pronounced as /jɛnufa/. The "j" sound is pronounced as a "y" sound, the "e" is pronounced as an "eh" sound, and the "u" is pronounced as an "oo" sound. The "f" represents a soft "f" sound in Czech pronunciation.
Jenufa is a Czech opera composed by Leoš Janáček. It is based on the play "Její pastorkyňa" by Gabriela Preissová. The opera premiered in 1904 and is considered one of Janáček's most enduring and important works.
"Jenufa" tells a tragic story set in a small village in Moravia. The central character, Jenufa, is a young woman who becomes pregnant out of wedlock and faces social stigma and the disapproval of her strict stepmother. The opera explores themes of love, sacrifice, societal expectations, and the consequences of one's actions.
Janáček's music in "Jenufa" is innovative and expressive, characterized by its use of folk melodies and his signature "speech melody" technique, which reflects the natural rhythms and inflections of the Czech language. The vocal lines are emotionally charged, conveying the inner thoughts and feelings of the characters.
The opera's title, "Jenufa," is derived from the name of its main character. However, the title also represents the conflicts and challenges faced by Jenufa and the other characters, reflecting the societal and cultural constraints they must navigate.
"Jenufa" has gained international popularity and critical acclaim due to Janáček's distinct compositional style and the powerful storytelling. It explores universal themes that resonate with audiences, making it a significant contribution to the world of opera and Czech cultural heritage.
The word "Jenufa" is the Czech diminutive form of the name "Jana" (pronounced YAH-nah), which is the feminine form of the name "Jan". "Jan" is the Czech version of the name "John" and has Hebrew origins. The name "John" is derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan", which means "Yahweh is gracious" or "God is gracious". "Jenufa" is also the title of an opera by Czech composer Leoš Janáček, which premiered in 1904.
