The Makropulos Case - Leoš Janáček
Information about the opera The Makropulos Case by Leoš Janáček, and the best recordings available on CD or DVD, or for download.
Based on the comic science fiction story by Karel Capek.
Synopsis
The opera tells the story of a woman who lives for 337 years after taking an elixir of eternal life that her father invents, and the fatal erotic spell she exerts on the people she encounters.
Recommended recordings on CD
Mackerras/Söderström/Dvorsky (Decca 430 372-2)
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras.
Cast: Elisabeth Söderström (Emilia Marty), Peter Dvorsky (Albert Gregor), Václav Zitek (Vitek).
Decca 430 372-2
Recommended recordings on DVD
Salonen/Denoke/Very (C Major 709508)
From the 2011 Salzburg Festival, a masterful production of this strange opera.
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen, 2011.
Cast: Angela Denoke (Emilia Marty), Raymond Very (Albert Gregor), Peter Hoare (Vitek), Jurgita Adamonyté (Krista).
C Major 709508