Bohuslav Martinů (1890–1959): The Miracles of Mary (Hry o Marii)
An opera about virgins, demons, murder and grace.
Author: Bohuslav Martinů
Musical Preparation: Jakub Klecker
Conductor: Jakub Klecker
Director: Jiří Heřman
Set Design: Pavel Svoboda
Costume Design: Alexandra Grusková
Choreography: Jan Kodet
Lighting Design: Daniel Tesař
Chorus Master: Josef Pančík
Assistant Conductor: Robert Kružík
Assistant Stage Director: Silvie Adamová
Assistant Choreographers: Lucie Holánková
Janáček Opera Ensemble and Orchestra of the National Theatre Brno
Premiere 27th March 2015, Janáček Theatre
Bohuslav Martinů is one of the most important Czech composers of the 20th century. Born in Polička, a small town in Bohemia, he wrote The Miracles of Mary between 1933 and 1934 while he was living in Paris. His original plan was to use old Czech themes; however he could only find certain fragments that were suitable for stage production. Therefore he searched for material in French theatrical literature and Czech folk texts and he adapted them to Czech legends. The Miracles of Mary has an unusual structure. It is made up of four separate parts, that although are highly contrasted, fit together like a masterfully assembled mosaic: “The Wise and Foolish Virgins” (prologue & drama); “Mariken of Nimégue” (miracle); “The Nativity” (pastoral drama); “Sister Paskalina” (legend). In October 1935, Martinů was awarded a State Prize for his opera The Miracles of Mary which at the time was the most distinguished award won by the forty-five year old composer.
Martinů’s previous operatic works had a decidedly cosmopolitan character - notably a series of operas set to French librettos. In contrast, The Miracles of Mary is full of simple and unaffected music, derived from national songs. In the opera, there are also large choral scenes and it also features some of Martinů’s most spectacular and inspiring music.
