Random Thoughts of a Musical Ignoramus, Today Minus the Poison

iDnes, 18.4.2015, Antonín Robin

Moravian Philharmonic Olomouc, April 2015

The Moravian Philharmonic Olomouc, and Barbora Polášková. I made sure to take a good look at the orchestra members. No bruises or blue eyes there, to be sure; apparently there was no one present with whom to fight over her.

Now this might come as a bit of a surprise, as Barbora Polášková happens to be arguably the finest Czech mezzo of our time, one for whom it may actually prove hard to find a peer elsewhere on the world scene. Why, it´s enough to leaf through the reviews where she is cited alternatively as soprano, mezzo, or contralto, knowing that she is in full command of all these voice-range nuances. One shouldn´t forget to add that all across this scale of registers, her voice is equally full-bodied and sparkling. At this point, expert anatomists will probably start to shake their heads, and yet only now will we proceed to name the prime asset of her singing: namely, the fact that Barbora Polášková sings with her heart.