After Tar, the crazy story of this composer, whom Mozart was a fan of but everyone forgot, in an interesting biopic.

When Vaslav restores his letters of generosity to Misliveček

Unless you are an erudite musician, the name Jozef Myslivecek really means nothing to you. However, the Prague-born composer was one of the most emblematic figures of the 18th-century opera scene, particularly in Venice, Naples and Munich, where his popularity reached its peak.

But then, why and how has this man behind more than 25 operas been forgotten? This is the whole mystery that Petr Vatslav tries to explain in a fascinating biographical film.

In the cinema this June 21, and therefore perfectly accompanying the music festival, Il Boemo looks at this incredible fate, but true and, above all, little known. An unpublished work that represents the rediscovery of a forgotten genius, the feature film exists thanks to the strength of will and the meticulous work of the screenwriter and director.

“I didn’t want to cheat too much because I find that life itself is often crazier, more absurd, funnier and more disturbing than most inventions.Petr Vatslav explains. So I committed myself to deep research, hoping to be able to make a piece that would be dramatic, narrative, and at the same time quite faithful to Mislivecek and his time. This is an almost impossible undertaking, but you can try to get close.”

Admiring Mozart until dark

Stunning in its staging and its reconstruction, Il Bohemo captures the fascinating facts that marked the life of Józef Mysliwecek, from his rebellion against his miller father who opposed his calling, to his unconditional penchant – but no less demanding – for finesse and free parts, with crowned heads. And going through the ballet of meetings with jealous husbands, without forgetting the love of life, avoided and platonic, which inspired her to her most heartbreaking operas.

A concert of remarkable events, highlighted by a surprising encounter with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, 20 years his junior. When he was only 14 years old, he, whose name and career no one has forgotten, first met Joseph Mysliveczek, in Bologna in 1770. Her virtuosity and mastery of the Italian opera style immediately seduced Mozart, who immediately patronized her. admiration for the Czechs.

A friendship followed and a correspondence between the two artists continued until Miśliveček’s death in 1781, which highlights the latter’s influence on Mozart’s career. A film as rich as it is polished, imbued with an original soundtrack (recorded live!), which features – among others – the presence of countertenor Philip Jaruski and soprano Emoke Barat, and which turns out to be one of the most beautiful surprises. Early this summer!

Il Boemo, by Petr Vaclav, with Wojciech Dyck, Barbara Ronchi, Elena Radonich, in theaters now.