The Makropulos Case

One of the great operas, in one of the great productions. Anja Silja proves herself a stunning screen actress in this faithful video reproduction of Nicholas Lehnhoff's imaginative and deeply moving stage production (which I saw twice, when it was at Brooklyn Academy of Music -- I had to go back because I couldn't believe my eyes or ears!). For a glimpse of what opera can be at its best, this is it. One warning: Silja's voice is a bit past its prime -- but stay tuned (no spoiler!) it is highly appropriate to the role! (Her voice always had a pronounced "beat" in the top; it's still there, but this is not, in this instance, an effect of aging, as is often the case. Nor is it, as some have suggested about Callas, an intentional "effect.") The supporting cast is not quite what it was at BAM, but all very fine singers (if not necessarily visually the most appropriate possible).