Opera XerJoff

What does a masterpiece need?

First, it needs a sensitive composition of a "conductor" who knows his craft. But above all, such a fragrance must spark images, open their own soul like a book.

There are plenty of images in the fragrance "Opera" by Chris Maurice: a lyrical kiss in the haze of the dark night; farewell moments behind closed eyes burning on my hands and lips; a river full of lovesick arias tinged with shadows of farewell.

Christian Carbonnel a.k.a. Chris Maurice comes from the most prestigious perfume family in Spain. Thus, Christian grew up in the world of perfumery and thanks to his father Francisco Carbonnel, the passion and talent to create exceptional fragrances were literally born in his cradle. "Nefs", "Erba Pura", "Camel", "Malvs" are just a few of his excellent creations. Many will follow, I am sure. Christian is so very "out-of-the-box", so I expect many more jewels.

The opening is already very opera-like, a heavy curtain reveals a brilliant start, which smells very unusual: subliminally compressed fruity notes floating with rose petals in an old barrique barrel. Already here small indefinable fragrance particles swim along, which will not leave my nose until the end. These notes behave like tiny pheromonal fragrance particles that hold the wild mess together and give the whole fragrance only a sense.

"Opera is not just a night out scent. Opera you spray on, if you intend something more than just "togetherness and holding hands". "Opera" is wicked and a little "trashy", a scent of apostatic lust without a hint of moderation.

The longevity of the fragrance is monstrous, it also follows countless twists and spins in the fragrance development. The sensuality of the scent is further underpinned with earthy, rooty notes that kick in after about five hours.

After DeepRiver's really cool review, it's really hard to say anything else about the fragrance that would reveal more than DR has already so clearly and wittily stated. I fully share his opinion, no fruit type is individually smellable here or even vetiver and musk. What is clearly perceptible, however, are compounds of notes whose whiff smells of carnal desire. The fragrance leaves a stamp not only for days, it is almost a tattoo that remains.

"Opera" is a bit like "dancing on a string", the scent can quickly seem over the top. For me, however, "Opera" is a sinful essence that sighs deeply and longingly lascivious on my shiny skin: A masterpiece.