Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Czech opera with Bedřich Smetana's "Dalibor," a monumental work that stands as a testament to the composer's genius. Released in 2024 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Smetana's birth, this three-act opera is a gripping exploration of themes such as revenge, love, and fate, set against the backdrop of medieval Bohemia.
"Dalibor" is based on a libretto originally written in German by Josef Wenzig and later translated into Czech by Ervín Špindler. The opera unfolds over 36 tracks, spanning approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes, offering a comprehensive journey through Smetana's masterful composition. The story revolves around Dalibor, a nobleman imprisoned for revenge, and his complex relationships with other characters, including Milada, Jitka, and Vladislav.
This album features a stellar performance by the Prague National Theatre Orchestra, conducted by Jaroslav Krombholc, ensuring that every note resonates with the authenticity and depth that Smetana intended. The intricate orchestration and powerful vocals bring to life the dramatic narrative, making "Dalibor" a timeless piece of classical music that continues to captivate audiences.
Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Dalibor" offers a profound and engaging experience. The album's release coincides with various commemorative events, including performances at the Smetanova Litomyšl Festival and upcoming productions at Bard SummerScape in 2025, underscoring its enduring significance in the world of classical music. Dive into the world of Bedřich Smetana and let the powerful melodies and stirring drama of "Dalibor" transport you to another time and place.
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 founder of modern Czech national music. This influential composer, conductor, and music educator left an indelible mark on the romantic era and inspired generations of Czech composers. Smetana's prolific career includes a rich tapestry of operas, symphonic poems, and chamber music, with his masterpiece "Má vlast" (My Homeland) standing out as a quintessential work that captures the spirit of his homeland. His notable operas, such as "Prodaná nevěsta" (The Bartered Bride) and "Libuše," are staples of the classical repertoire. Despite facing personal tragedies, including progressive deafness, Smetana's unwavering dedication to his art and his role as a cultural organizer and critic solidified his legacy as a pillar of Czech music. His contributions continue to resonate, making him one of the most renowned Czech composers worldwide.
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Bedřich Smetana
