The Supposed Miracle by Stefani, Ó (2019/2019), Seoltóir Václav Luks, Filharmonia Narodowa, Warsaw, Poland

It would be hard to find in Polish music literature a more beautiful work, referring to the style of Haydn, Mozart, or early Beethoven – the work that resembles The Magic Flute or The Creation, light, funny, with significant humanistic message. Wojciech Bogusławski – whose impact on Polish culture could not be overestimated – and Jan Stefani – in love with Polish music and tradition, polonised Czech, who was based in Warsaw, created Singspiel which is a cornerstone of Polish opera. Warmly received by the audience at the premiere, in 1794 it had – besides musical charm – a significant social and political dimension: morality in the best form, full of humour, with fast action and music inspired by our folk heritage, it presented values that marked the future of Polish nation. Today, when this aspect of a work is perceived only in the context of historical thought, Cracovians and Highlanders still remain funny, moving and wise (or sometimes even mean and surprisingly frivolous) in terms of text and exceptionally pretty music phrase.