The Makropulos Case

Adapted from a play by Czech dramatist Karel Čapek, an early pioneer in the science fiction genre, Janáček’s The Makropulos Case revolves around the enigmatic Emilia Marty, a star singer whose shadowy past leads the rest of the opera’s characters—as well as the audience—on a quest to reveal her true identity. It is one of the repertoire’s most engrossing mysteries, further heightened by Janáček’s searing score and a tour-de-force role for the leading diva. In this 2012 radio broadcast, remarkable dramatic soprano Karita Mattila gives an electrifying performance as Emilia, headlining a cast that also includes tenor Richard Leech as Albert Gregor, baritone Christopher Feigum as Jaroslav Prus, baritone Tom Fox as Dr. Kolenatý, tenor Alan Oke as Vítek, soprano Emalie Savoy as Kristina, and tenor Matthew Plenk as Janek. Celebrated Czech conductor Jiri Belohlávek is at the helm, leading listeners on a charged musical journey from beginning to end.