Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Bedřich Smetana's masterful opera, "The Bartered Bride," presented in a stunning new recording set to release on June 28, 2024, by SUPRAPHON a.s. This comprehensive album captures the full glory of Smetana's most celebrated opera, offering a rich and engaging experience for both seasoned opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
"The Bartered Bride" is a delightful comic opera that weaves a tale of love, deception, and ultimately, triumph. The story revolves around the young lovers Mařenka and Jeník, whose plans to marry are thwarted by a series of mischievous plots orchestrated by the cunning matchmaker Kecal. Through a series of clever twists and turns, the opera explores themes of true love, family, and the power of community.
This album features a meticulously curated selection of arias and ensembles, showcasing the operatic prowess of renowned soloists and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of conductor Zdeněk Košler. The performances are nothing short of breathtaking, with each character brought to life through powerful vocals and nuanced interpretations.
The album spans a duration of 2 hours and 16 minutes, providing an immersive journey through the entire opera. From the lively "Overture" to the heartwarming finale, every moment is filled with Smetana's distinctive melodies and vibrant orchestration. Highlights include the enchanting duet "Faithful Love Cannot Be Marred by Any Former Pledge or Promise" and the lively "Polka a Chorus - Come On, Girl, Let´s Be Merry," which exemplify the opera's blend of humor and romance.
Whether you are a fan of classical music or simply appreciate a well-told story, "The Bartered Bride" is a gem that deserves a place in your collection. This recording is a testament to Smetana's enduring legacy and his contribution to the world of opera. Prepare to be captivated by the timeless beauty of "The Bartered Bride," a true masterpiece of Czech opera.
2024 SUPRAPHON a.s.2024 SUPRAPHON a.s.
Tracks
The Bartered Bride: "Overture"Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic
The Bartered Bride, Act I, Scene 1: "Let Us Rejoice, Let´s Be Merry" (Mařenka, Jeník)Josef Veselka, Zdeněk Košler, Prague Philharmonic Choir, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Gabriela Beňačková, Peter Dvorsky
The Bartered Bride, Act I, Scene 2: "It Will Then Happen Like I Have Been Told!" (Mařenka, Jeník)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Gabriela Beňačková, Peter Dvorsky
The Bartered Bride, Act I, Scene 2: "Should I Ever Happen to Learn Something like That about You" (Mařenka)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Gabriela Beňačková
The Bartered Bride, Act I, Scene 2: "It´s Only True That Your past Life Seems to Be Veiled in a Sort of Mystery" (Mařenka, Jeník)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Gabriela Beňačková, Peter Dvorsky
The Bartered Bride, Act I, Scene 2: "While a Mother´s Love Means Blessing, Painful Is a Stepmother´s Hate" (Mařenka, Jeník)Czech Philharmonic, Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Gabriela Beňačková, Peter Dvorsky
The Bartered Bride, Act I, Scene 2: "Faithful Love Cannot Be Marred by Any Former Pledge or Promise" (Mařenka, Jeník)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Gabriela Beňačková, Peter Dvorsky, Czech Philharmonic
The Bartered Bride, Act I, Scene 3: "As I´m Saying, My Dear Fellow" (Krušina, Ludmila, Kecal)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Jindřich Jindrák, Marie Vesela, Richard Novak
The Bartered Bride, Act I, Scene 3: "Of Course, I Know Tobiáš Mícha since My Childhood" (Krušina, Ludmila, Kecal)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Jindřich Jindrák, Marie Vesela, Richard Novak, Czech Philharmonic
The Bartered Bride, Act I, Scene 3: "He´s Well Brought Up" (Krušina, Ludmila, Kecal)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Jindřich Jindrák, Marie Vesela, Richard Novak, Czech Philharmonic
The Bartered Bride, Act I, Scene 4: "Here She´s Coming!" (Krušina, Ludmila, Mařenka, Kecal)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Jindřich Jindrák, Marie Vesela, Gabriela Beňačková, Richard Novak
The Bartered Bride, Act I, Scene 4: "Jeník Will Not Give In" (Krušina, Ludmila, Mařenka, Kecal)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Jindřich Jindrák, Marie Vesela, Gabriela Beňačková, Richard Novak, Czech Philharmonic
The Bartered Bride, Act I, Scene 5: "Polka a Chorus - Come On, Girl, Let´s Be Merry"Josef Veselka, Zdeněk Košler, Prague Philharmonic Choir, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic
The Bartered Bride, Act II, Scene 1: "Beer´s No Doubt a Gift from Heaven" (Jeník, Kecal)Josef Veselka, Zdeněk Košler, Prague Philharmonic Choir, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Peter Dvorsky, Richard Novak
The Bartered Bride, JB 1:100, Act II, Scene 1: FuriantZdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic
The Bartered Bride, Act II, Scene 2: "My... My... My... Mother Dear Sa... Sa... Said to Me" (Vašek)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Miroslav Kopp
The Bartered Bride, Act II, Scene 3: "You Are Surely Mařenka Krušinová´s Bridegroom?" (Mařenka, Vašek)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Gabriela Beňačková, Miroslav Kopp
The Bartered Bride, Act II, Scene 3: "I Know a Maiden Fair Whose Love for You Is Boundless" (Mařenka, Vašek)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Gabriela Beňačková, Miroslav Kopp
The Bartered Bride, Act II, Scene 4: "As I Say, She’s Lovely, Sweet and Also Rich" (Kecal, Jeník)Czech Philharmonic, Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Richard Novak, Peter Dvorsky
The Bartered Bride, Act II, Scene 4: "Now Then, My Dear Man" (Kecal, Jeník)Czech Philharmonic, Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Richard Novak, Peter Dvorsky
The Bartered Bride, Act II, Scene 4: "I Know a Girl" (Kecal, Jeník)Czech Philharmonic, Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Richard Novak, Peter Dvorsky
The Bartered Bride, Act II, Scene 4: "And If You Renounce Mařenka I Shall Also Pay You Something" (Kecal, Jeník)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Richard Novak, Peter Dvorsky
The Bartered Bride, Act II, Scene 5: "When You Find out for Whom You Have Bought a Bride" (Jeník)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Peter Dvorsky
The Bartered Bride, Act II, Scene 6: "Come Inside, People" (Krušina, Jeník, Kecal)Josef Veselka, Zdeněk Košler, Prague Philharmonic Choir, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Jindřich Jindrák, Peter Dvorsky, Richard Novak
The Bartered Bride, Act III, Scene 1: "I... I Can’t Get It Off My... My Mind" (Vašek)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Miroslav Kopp
The Bartered Bride, Act III, Scene 2: "March of the Comedians. We Announce to the Public" (Principal of the comedians)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Alfréd Hampel
The Bartered Bride, JB 1:100, Act III, Scene 2: Skočná. Dance of the ComediansZdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic
The Bartered Bride, Act III, Scene 2: "Oh... Oh... Oh... Oh, That Will Be Lovely" (Vašek, Principal of the comedians, Esmeralda, Indian)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Miroslav Kopp, Alfréd Hampel, Jana Jonasova, Karel Hanus
The Bartered Bride, Act III, Scene 3: "We Shall Make a Graceful Little Bear of You" (Principal of the comedians, Esmeralda)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Alfréd Hampel, Jana Jonasova
The Bartered Bride, Act III, Scene 4: "Oh, Dear Me... Dear Me!" (Mícha, Háta, Vašek, Kecal)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Jaroslav Horáček, Marie Mrazova, Miroslav Kopp, Richard Novak
The Bartered Bride, Act III, Scene 4: "Quartetto - What? He Doesn´t Want Her?" (Mícha, Háta, Vašek, Kecal)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Jaroslav Horáček, Marie Mrazova, Miroslav Kopp, Richard Novak
The Bartered Bride, Act III, Scene 4: "No, No, I Don´t Believe" (Krušina, Ludmila, Mařenka, Kecal)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Jindřich Jindrák, Marie Vesela, Gabriela Beňačková, Richard Novak
The Bartered Bride, Act III, Scene 5: "Tell...Tell Me What You Want?" (Krušina, Ludmila, Mícha, Háta, Vašek, Kecal)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Jindřich Jindrák, Marie Vesela, Jaroslav Horáček, Marie Mrazova, Miroslav Kopp, Richard Novak
The Bartered Bride, Act III, Scene 5: "Make up Your Mind, Mařenka, Take Your Time" (Krušina, Ludmila, Mařenka, Mícha, Háta, Kecal)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Jindřich Jindrák, Marie Vesela, Gabriela Beňačková, Jaroslav Horáček, Marie Mrazova, Richard Novak
The Bartered Bride, Act III, Scene 6: "Oh, What a Grief!... That Dream of Love" (Mařenka)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Gabriela Beňačková
The Bartered Bride, Act III, Scene 7: "Mařenka Mine!" (Mařenka, Jeník)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Gabriela Beňačková, Peter Dvorsky
The Bartered Bride, Act III, Scene 8: "Well, so You Are Still Here, My Young Man?" (Mařenka, Jeník, Kecal)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Gabriela Beňačková, Peter Dvorsky, Richard Novak
The Bartered Bride, Act III, Scene 8: "Calm Down, Calm Down, Dear, Calm Down" (Mařenka, Jeník, Kecal)Zdeněk Košler, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Gabriela Beňačková, Peter Dvorsky, Richard Novak
The Bartered Bride, Act III, Scene 9: "What Have You Decided, Mařenka?" (Krušina, Ludmila, Mařenka, Mícha, Háta, Jeník, Kecal)Josef Veselka, Zdeněk Košler, Prague Philharmonic Choir, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Jindřich Jindrák, Marie Vesela, Gabriela Beňačková, Jaroslav Horáček, Marie Mrazova, Peter Dvorsky, Richard Novak
The Bartered Bride, Act III, Scene 10: "Save Yourselves! The Bear Has Got Loose!" (Krušina, Ludmila, Mařenka, Mícha, Háta, Vašek, Jeník)Josef Veselka, Zdeněk Košler, Prague Philharmonic Choir, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Sabina, Czech Philharmonic, Jindřich Jindrák, Marie Vesela, Gabriela Beňačková, Jaroslav Horáček, Marie Mrazova, Richard Novak, Miroslav Kopp
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
