Philip Newton
Katya Kabanova is a lush, compelling three-act opera with an alluring backstory. The story is only creepy and misogynistic if you take it out of its early-20th-century context.
Composer Leos Janacek was a late bloomer who arrived at fame in his 60s, around the same time he fell in love with Kamila Stosslova, an unattainable woman, 38 years younger than Janacek. He wrote her 700 love letters over a span of 11 years and composed a handful of great operas inspired by his passion for her.
Janacek’s devotion had a patient, soulful quality, especially since his great love remained unconsummated. Allegedly, they shared only one kiss.