A fascinating discovery into Martinů

Magdalena Kožená vocal skills brings out the exuberance of Martinů's dream-like fantasy from his opera Juliette.

Composer: Martinů
Repertoire: Three fragments from the opera Juliette
Artists: Soloists, Czech PO/Charles Mackerras
Rating: 4/5
Genre: Opera
Label: Supraphon SU3994-2

Boy meets girl, she has no memory, loves him anyway, disappears – did he imagine it all? Martinů’s opera Juliette is a set of impressions, a three-hour, plotless dream-fantasy, impossible to stage. However, the three ‘Fragments’ that Martinů distilled from the score are full of gorgeous, exuberant music. Vocal chameleon Magdalena Kožená is the dream girl, singing with searing, expressive intensity; tenor Steve Davislim as Michel is excellent but can’t quite match her.