The Makropulos Case

Leoš Janácek's 1926 opera is not one of his most popular, but it shares with many others the overarching theme of life having a natural and limited span—an idea conveyed here through a beautiful singer named Emilia Marty, who intervenes in the titular legal case, a century-long dispute over an inheritance. Emilia's remarkable knowledge of the case's details is eventually explained by the fact that she's actually 300 years old and was involved in the original litigation. Her sudden reappearance arises from her desire to retrieve the formula that caused her longevity—although she intends to use it to finally end her existence. Janácek's score juxtaposes surging romantic moments with sharp, astringent notes, deftly played by the London Philharmonic under Andrew Davis in this 1995 production from the Glyndebourne Festival. But while the supporting cast is generally excellent, the performance is marred by Anja Silja as Emilia; despite her great stage presence, she looks too old for the part, and her soprano is no longer a magnificent instrument. Nikolaus Lehnhoff's imaginative staging still comes across well, and Silja's many admirers will undoubtedly appreciate this Blu-ray release of one of her late-career triumphs, but it cannot be preferred to the superb 2011 Salzburg Festival release under the baton of Esa-Pekka Salonen (VL-9/12). Presented in LPCM stereo, this is a strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek)