Vec Makropulos

While many of the operas of Czech composer Leoš Janácek (1854–1928) are now staples of the international repertory, this 1926 offering remains outside the mainstream. A frequent theme of the composer's—the beauty of the natural lifespan, which requires death to give it meaning—is explored in Vec Makropoulos through the figure of Emilia Marty. A seductive prima donna who intervenes in a legal case that has dragged on for a hundred years, Emilia has been alive for more than three centuries. She's involved herself with the judicial process only to retrieve an ancient document containing the longevity formula, although her goal is not to prolong her life further, but rather to end what's become an intolerable existence. This odd tale is backed by a marvelous score that mixes sweeping romantic moments with stabbing, bitter elements, its many felicities revealed in the sumptuous playing of the Vienna Philharmonic, brilliantly conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen for this superb performance from the 2011 Salzburg Festival. Angela Denoke is extraordinary as the hard-edged, manipulative Emilia, while the other soloists are solid. Christoph Marthaler's production has some quirks, but overall he makes adroit use of the handsome set, and the costumes nicely reflect the work's between-the-wars period. Presented in DTS 5.1 (DTS-HD 5.1 on the Blu-ray release) and PCM stereo, this is highly recommended. (F. Swietek)