Janacek: Kata Kabanova (complete opera recorded in 2008)

"Its luminosity is reflected in Jiří Bělohlávek's conducting, undoubtedly the most airily lyrical Katya I can remember, which uses Mackerras's edition but applies less spiky gestures...[Mattila] refines her bright dramatic soprano sufficiently to sound fresh and eager, then captures an edge of hysterical guilt." BBC Music Magazine, January 2011 *****

"Jiří Bělohlávek plainly loves this score and paces it well...Mattila is, without a doubt, an outstanding Kat'a...she gives a vocally splendid account, sensitively inflected and radiant at climactic moments...[Dalia Schaechter is] admirably bitter and twisted...[Oleg Bryjak] demonstrates a fine understanding of [his] role, singing with a kind of gruff belligerence that is just right for the part." International Record Review, March 2011

"This is an excellent production...Mattila as Kat'a is stupendous...[her] faultless in its progression from hesitancy to impassioned resolve. In the final monologue, her hair dishevelled, her misery and longing are heartbreaking. Throughout, Mattila sings with a flood of golden tone… Bělohlávek's conducting is beautifully judged, whether in tension or release. Utterly brilliant!" Gramophone Magazine, April 2011

Production shared with Vlaamse Opera d'Anvers

At last, this magical production of Katia, by Robert Carsen, recorded at the Teatro Real de Madrid, in December 2008, and which was hailed unanimously by the critics as 'almost perfect'. The Teatro Real Orchestra gives one of its best performances under maestro Jiří Bělohlávek, whose conducting emphasises the passion with delicacy and drama.

All the action takes place on a huge body of water which reflects images of extraordinary grace, sculpted by sublime light. The stage is dominated by the extraordinary Karita Mattila in a performance of incredible intensity: the best Katia imaginable for this Janacek masterpiece.

Running time: 1.48' and extras: interviews with Robert Carsen and Jiri Belohlavek 23'30