O.T.: K. Mattila in Janacek's "Makropolous Affair" (S.F. Opera)

[barry guerrero]

Wow! I was taken tonight to see a one woman, force-of-nature called Karita Mattila (I'm not sure of the spelling, as I left my program with a family member). This new production of "The Makrolopus Affair" (Janacek) at the S.F. Opera has been receiving rave reviews from pretty much everybody. Mattila is both a fabulous singer and actress. She also looks perfect for an older woman - 337 years old, to be exact - who has kept much of her girlish looks. In fact, this was easily the single best operatic performance I've ever seen given by anybody (and I'm sensitive about opera singers who can't sing well). The supporting cast - almost entirely men - were also very good; many of them former students of the Merola Program and Adler Fellowship, etc. As you probably know, Janacek's tenor parts are absolutely brutal. Nobody sounded strained the entire evening, and the S.F. Opera Orchestra completely out-did themselves (Behlelovek was the conductor). Matilla's gowns and dresses were quite stunning, and the staging worked beautifully - no Eurotrash.  

I now agree with those who say that "Makropolous Affair" is Janacek's best opera, simply because the third act is so strong. However, it does take a great Emilia Marty, such as Karita Mattila, to get the very best out of this opera.  

And Mahler buffs, you'll never convince me that Gustav Mahler would kick out an outstanding soprano like Karita Mattila, simply because he allegedly had a preference for male singers. If so, he would be out of his mind. 

[Prospero]

Mattila is a great singing actress. So you are most fortunate to have seen her live in "Makropolous."  In  a quite different role, she was a superb Arabella about 8 years ago in London.

On Janacek's finest?--Kat'ya K under  Mackerras in London 5 years ago was amazing. The Vixen has such a superb range and ending.

But the great "From the House of the Dead" conducted by Salonen in the Chereau production at the Met in 2009 was probably the greatest music-drama experience i have had in 40 years of play and opera going.

Janacek's great operas are profound works indeed. We are lucky to have such remarkable performances in our day.

[Damfino]

We had Matilla down here @ Houston Grand Opera a few years back in Manon Lescaut. That was the first I'd heard her (or even heard of her). I was amazed she was not more well known at the time.

[sbugala]

I heard an awesome concert where Mattila did Sibelius' Luonnotar and Saariaho's Mirage.  I don't usually don't get too excited over singers, but I'd go hear her again. Impressive!

[barry guerrero]

She's done "Salome" with great success. Although, ideally speaking, Salome should be quite young and rather kittenish. I think she could be fabulous in "Die Frau ohne Schatten".