Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Czech culture with Bedřich Smetana's timeless opera, "The Bartered Bride." This meticulously crafted album, released on June 28, 2024, by SUPRAPHON a.s., offers a comprehensive journey through one of the most beloved works in the classical repertoire. Spanning over two hours and sixteen minutes, this album features a staggering 40 tracks, each bringing to life the vibrant characters and enchanting melodies that have captivated audiences for generations.
"The Bartered Bride" is a masterclass in operatic storytelling, blending humor, drama, and romance in a way that only Smetana could. From the lively overture to the heartwarming duets and the exhilarating dances, every moment is a testament to Smetana's genius. The album includes iconic pieces such as the "Polka a Chorus - Come On, Girl, Let´s Be Merry" and the "Dance of the Comedians," showcasing the diverse musical styles that Smetana seamlessly weaves into his compositions.
This release is not just a collection of songs but a celebration of Czech heritage, deeply rooted in the traditions and folklore of the region. Smetana's ability to capture the essence of his homeland is evident in every note, making this album a treasure trove for both classical music enthusiasts and those new to the genre. Whether you're a seasoned opera lover or simply appreciate beautiful music, "The Bartered Bride" is an essential addition to your collection.
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 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.
Vinylscout
Bedřich Smetana
