Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Czech opera with Bedřich Smetana's "Dalibor," a masterful work that stands as a testament to the composer's genius. Released on July 5, 2024, by SUPRAPHON a.s., this album captures the essence of Smetana's second-most renowned opera, following the iconic "The Bartered Bride." "Dalibor" is a tragic opera that weaves a tale of knightly ideals, political intrigue, and forbidden love, all set against the backdrop of medieval Bohemia.
The opera, originally premiered in 1868, is based on a Czech folk legend and tells the story of Dalibor of Kozojedy, a knight imprisoned for tyranny. As the court deliberates his fate, rebellion brews among the people. The libretto, written by Josef Wenzig and translated into Czech by Ervín Špindler, is brought to life through Smetana's powerful and evocative score.
This album, spanning over two hours and twenty-four minutes, features a meticulously crafted recording that highlights the depth and complexity of Smetana's composition. The tracklist is divided into detailed scenes and acts, providing a comprehensive journey through the opera's narrative. From the haunting melodies of "An Orphan, Abandoned" to the dramatic intensity of "Let so It Be! I’m Now Prepared to Die," each track offers a glimpse into the operatic brilliance of Bedřich Smetana.
"Dalibor" is not just an opera; it is a historical and cultural treasure that showcases the enduring legacy of Bedřich Smetana. This album is a perfect addition for classical music enthusiasts and those eager to explore the rich heritage of Czech opera. Whether you are a seasoned opera lover or a curious newcomer, "Dalibor" promises an unforgettable listening experience.
2024 SUPRAPHON a.s.2024 SUPRAPHON a.s.
Tracks
Dalibor, Act I, Scene 1: "Today the Judgement Will Be Passed"Prague National Theatre Chorus, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Milan Malý, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act I, Scene 1: "An Orphan, Abandonned" (Jitka)Hana Svobodova, Prague National Theatre Chorus, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Milan Malý, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act I, Scene 1: "The Arrival of the King and the Judges"Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act I, Scene 2: "You Know By Now How Our Kingdom Fair" (Vladislav)Jindřich Jindrák, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act I, Scene 3: "Step Forward Without Fear" (Vladislav, Milada, Jitka)Jindřich Jindrák, Naděžda Kniplová, Hana Svobodova, Prague National Theatre Chorus, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Milan Malý, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act I, Scene 3: "The Sun Did Set" (Vladislav, Milada, Jitka)Jindřich Jindrák, Naděžda Kniplová, Hana Svobodova, Prague National Theatre Chorus, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Milan Malý, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act I, Scene 4: "Ah, What a Sight!" (Vladislav, Milada)Jindřich Jindrák, Naděžda Kniplová, Prague National Theatre Chorus, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Milan Malý, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act I, Scene 4: "I Won´t Deny... When Zdeněk mine" (Dalibor)Vilém Přibyl, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act I: "But Hear!" (Dalibor, Vladislav, Budivoj, Beneš, Vítek, Milada, Jitka, One of the judges)Vilém Přibyl, Jindřich Jindrák, Antonín Švorc, Jaroslav Horáček, Zdeněk Švehla, Naděžda Kniplová, Hana Svobodova, Dalibor Jedlicka, Prague National Theatre Chorus, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Milan Malý, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act I: "Oh, Didst Thou Hear It" (Dalibor)Vilém Přibyl, Prague National Theatre Chorus, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Milan Malý, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act I, Scene 5: "Here Do You See Me Bending Low" (Vladislav, Milada)Jindřich Jindrák, Naděžda Kniplová, Prague National Theatre Chorus, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Milan Malý, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act I, Scene 6: "What Storm Here in My Bosom Is Raging" (Milada, Jitka)Naděžda Kniplová, Hana Svobodova, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act II, Scene 1: "Oh, Yes, the Gayest Is This Our World"Prague National Theatre Chorus, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Milan Malý, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act II, Scene 1: "By This Gay Song... My Dearest, My Yearning" (Vítek, Jitka)Zdeněk Švehla, Hana Svobodova, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act II, Scene 1: "Of Dalibor´s Fate Didst Thou Surely Hear?" (Vítek, Jitka)Zdeněk Švehla, Hana Svobodova, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act II, Scene 2: "Oh, Yes, the Gayest is This Our World" (Vítek, Jitka)Zdeněk Švehla, Hana Svobodova, Prague National Theatre Chorus, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Milan Malý, Jaroslav Krombholc
DaliborAntonín Švorc, Jaroslav Horáček, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act II, Scene 2: "Oh, How Saddening is a Jailer´s Life, How Hard" (Beneš)Jaroslav Horáček, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act II, Scene 3: "Everything Is Ready" (Beneš, Milada)Jaroslav Horáček, Naděžda Kniplová, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act II, Scene 4: "Oh, Goodness!" (Milada)Naděžda Kniplová, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act II, Scene 5: "Here Is the Violin" (Beneš, Milada)Jaroslav Horáček, Naděžda Kniplová, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act II: "Change of Stage II. - Listesso tempo (orchestra)"Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act II, Scene 1: "It Was He Again?" (Dalibor)Vilém Přibyl, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act II, Scene 2: "Accept, I Beg, This Trifle from My Hand!" (Dalibor, Milada)Vilém Přibyl, Naděžda Kniplová, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act II, Scene 2: "Oh, Unspeakable Charm of Love!" (Dalibor, Milada)Vilém Přibyl, Naděžda Kniplová, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act III, Scene 1: "Glourious King!" (Budivoj)Antonín Švorc, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act III, Scene 1: "It Will be Near to Forty Years" (Beneš)Jaroslav Horáček, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act III, Scene 2: "At This Late Hour... Beautiful Aim That Any King Can Follow" (Vladislav)Jindřich Jindrák, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act III, Scene 2: "Are You Ready?" (Vladislav, One of the judges)Jindřich Jindrák, Dalibor Jedlicka, Prague National Theatre Chorus, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Milan Malý, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act III, Scene 3: "Change of Stage 1, It´s the Third Night... Oh, by What Marvel Thou" (Dalibor)Vilém Přibyl, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act III, Scene 4: "Oh, Heaven! He Shook His Chains!" (Dalibor, Budivoj)Vilém Přibyl, Antonín Švorc, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act III, Scene 4: "Let so It Be! I’m Now Prepared to Die" (Dalibor)Vilém Přibyl, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act III: "No Trace as Yet of Our Convened Signal?" (Milada, Jitka)Naděžda Kniplová, Hana Svobodova, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Prague National Theatre Chorus, Jaroslav Krombholc, Milan Malý
Dalibor, Act III, Scene 6: "Milada! - Where Am I?" (Dalibor, Milada)Vilém Přibyl, Naděžda Kniplová, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act III, Scene 6, 7: "Oh, Behold This Tender Rosebud" (Jitka)Hana Svobodova, Prague National Theatre Chorus, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Milan Malý, Jaroslav Krombholc
Dalibor, Act I: "Enemy Troops Are Beaten and Dispersed" (Dalibor, Budivoj)Vilém Přibyl, Antonín Švorc, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Prague National Theatre Chorus, Jaroslav Krombholc, Milan Malý
Bedřich Smetana, born on March 2, 1824, in Litomyšl, is celebrated as the father of Czech national music and a pivotal figure in the Romantic era. His compositions, including the iconic symphonic poem cycle "Má vlast" and beloved operas like "The Bartered Bride" and "Libuše," have left an indelible mark on classical music. Smetana's journey began at the age of four when he started learning the violin and later the piano, under his father's guidance. His musical prowess extended beyond composition; he was also a renowned pianist, chamber musician, and respected music educator. As a director and influential critic, Smetana's organizational efforts significantly shaped the cultural landscape of his time. Despite facing personal tragedies, including gradual hearing loss, his legacy endures, inspiring generations of composers and solidifying his status as one of the most esteemed Czech musicians worldwide. His contributions to music are not just heard but felt, making him a timeless figure in the classical music canon.
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Bedřich Smetana
