A Passionate Nature

One of Janácek's favourite places was the peaceful village of Hukvaldy where he'd been born and where, in 1921, he bought a cottage in which he could compose, away from the hectic life of Brno. Shortly afterwards he began work on the opera in which he was able to combine two of his passions - for the natural world which had always been an essential part of his life, and for Kamila Stösslová, the married woman with whom he became obsessed. Donald Macleod introduces this everyday tale of Vixen Sharp-Ears, and Janácek's next opera, whose enigmatic heroine was also inspired by Kamila. Elina Makropulos has lived for over three centuries and, as the elixir which has kept her alive begins to wear off, she realises that there's only one possible solution to her joyless existence.