Karita Mattila makes her bid for immortality.
The immortal diva: Karita Mattila. (Press photo from Tosca.)
Photo by Brigitte Lacombe © 2009 The Metropolitan Opera
Leoš Janáček's The Makropoulos Case may seem as remote and unapproachable as its enigmatic title character. But this opera, which centers around a centuries-old lawsuit and humanity's obsession with eternal life, is one of the composer's most satisfying creations. Czech maestro Jirí Behlolávek conducts.
Soprano Karita Mattila is just the third singer to take on the difficult title role at the Met. The opera was first performed at the Met (in English) in 1996, with soprano Jessye Norman in her last major appearance at the Met..
That prima was also notable for the death of tenor Richard Versaille, who was playing the role of Vitek. Right after singing his first line ("You only live so long") Mr. Versaille suffered a heart attack, plummeting from a ladder in front of a horrified audience.
The performance was cancelled, and the story hit the papers. The next night was deemed a success. Further revivals of the opera in 1998 and 2001, were sung in Czech and featured Catherine Malfitano as Emilia Marty.
The complex plot of The Makropoulos Case (Věc Makropulos is the Czech title) delves into the art of opera itself. The central figure is the mysterious Emilia Marty (Mattila), a world-famous singer who interjects herself into the ongoing legal struggles. Her object: to obtain a copy of the chemical formula that her father invented, a formula that will grant her eternal life.
Science fiction? Maybe. Janáček based his libretto on the play of the same name by fellow Czech Karel Capek, the writer best remembered for coining the word "robot" in his play R.U.R.. The opera shifts through the composer's frequently visited sonic world: minor-key chords interjected with delicate fabrics of wind and strings. The voices are always to the fore, as maximum clarity is essential to Janáček's style.
Recording Recommendation:
There are a few recordings of this opera. Most are in the catalogue under the title Věc Makropulos. Below, is the one you need.
Vienna Philharmonic cond. Sir Charles Mackerras (Decca, 1978)
Emilia Marty: Elizabeth Söderström
Emilia Marty was the great Elizabeth Söderström's favorite role. She is marvelous here in the midst of an almost all-Czech cast, carefully conducted by Janáček expert Sir Charles Mackerras. This is part of the English conductor's cycle of major operas by this composer, and an essential. It is also available as part of a budget box set of the operas that also includes The Cunning Little Vixen, Jenufa and Kat'a Kabanova.
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