Rusulka by Anton Dvorak San Francisco Opera 6 December 1995 I had heard Rusalka only once before this evening, on the Met broadcast a few years ago, and remembered it as a surprisingly lyrical and engaging opera. I looked forward to this performance partly for Stephanie Sundine (whom I had liked in Makropulos here in 1993) but mainly for the music and for Charles Mackerras, conducting. The music wasn't as pretty as I remembered. I found it broad, somewhat unsophisticated, loud and vigorous. And Miss Sundine was sick. In all it was a charming story, well costumed and adequately sung, but there just wasn't enough there for a three-act opera. Renee Fleming sang the title role well, a rich, full soprano that was occasionally overbalanced by the orchestra or lost in the big SFO house. I found Sergei Larin's prince muddy overall and weak in the upper register on top of being poorly acted. Felecity Palmer brought a strong presence and pleasant voice to the witch Jezibaba, and Philip Skinner was appropriately sonorous as the water spirit. I was reminded that I like the sound of Czech being sung. I just wish there had been more musical meat on these fairy tale bones.