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The Makropulos Affair review – Simon Rattle leads a sensational and thrilling semi-staging

14 Ocak 2026The Guardian

🤖AI Özeti

Simon Rattle's concert performance of Janáček's 'The Makropulos Affair' at Barbican Hall has been hailed as sensational and thrilling. The performance showcased the London Symphony Orchestra's prowess and featured Marlis Petersen in a commanding role as Emilia Marty. The concert version delivered a more impactful emotional experience compared to recent staged productions, emphasizing the opera's themes of mortality and the human condition.

💡AI Analizi

Rattle's interpretation of 'The Makropulos Affair' reveals the opera's depth and relevance, particularly in today's world where the quest for immortality is echoed in the ambitions of contemporary figures. Petersen's performance as Emilia Marty adds layers of emotional complexity, transforming a character that is not inherently sympathetic into a figure of tragic beauty. The concert format, while lacking the visual elements of a full staging, allows for a concentrated exploration of Janáček's intricate orchestration and poignant storytelling.

📚Bağlam ve Tarihsel Perspektif

Originally premiered in 1926, 'The Makropulos Affair' explores themes of life, death, and the consequences of immortality through the story of a woman who has lived for centuries. This performance comes in the wake of a resurgence of interest in Janáček's works, particularly as contemporary issues resonate with the opera's narrative.

This summary is based on a review from The Guardian and reflects the opinions of the reviewer.