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.

Cast:
- Katia: Karita Mattila
- Dikoi: Oleg Bryjak
- Boris: Miroslav Dvorsky
- Kabanicha: Dalia Schaechter
- Tikhon: Guy de Mey
- Koudriash: Gordon Gietz
- Varvara: Natascha Petrinsky
- Kouliguine: Marco Moncloa
- Glacha: Itxaro Mentxaka
- Flekloucha: Maria José Suerez

Critical edition by Sir Charles Mackerras
Production: Robert Carsen
Costumes and sets: Patrick Kinmonth
Lighting: Robert Carsen & Peter Van Praet

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