Bedřich Smetana:Libuše Naděžda Kniplová (Queen Libuše) Zdeněk Kroupa (Chrudoš ) et al (see below) Prague National Theatre Chorus & Orchestra/ Jaroslav Krombholc Supraphon 2 cd's
Arrived today! A festive opera in three acts composed between 1871 and 1872. It was written to celebrate the coronation of
Franz Josef as King of Bohemia. When this failed to materialise Smetana "saved it" (according to Wikipedia) for the opening of Prague's National Theatre in 1881. This is more like a patriotic, festive tableau,than a conventional opera. It is filled with majestic fanfares,stirring chouses,very slavonic sounding singing (and all pretty good,to my ears,but see review,below!) and Smetana's gift for colourful & often,dramatic,orchestration. It does seem there's far more to Smetana as an opera composer,than the,once,seemingly ubiquitous bride. (I,recently,enjoyed
The Kiss! The opera,not a kiss! ::) ;D). The mid 60's sound on this slimline cd release is very good to my ears. There's no libretto with this set,just a booklet with some notes and a track-by-track synopsis. It doesn't bother me. Just sit back and enjoy the show! ;D chose this recording because it was made in a studio & there's only so many times I want hear the same cough! ::) ;D Rather strange artwork!
Göran Forsling loves the opera! It certainly is a wallow!
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2010/Jan10/Smetana_Libuse_su39822.htm