Bedřich SMETANA (1824–1884) The Two Widows Adriana Kučerová, Kateřina Kněžíková Jana Sibera, Sopranos Pavol Breslik, Petr Nekoranec, Tenors • Adam Plachetka, Bass-baritone
Prague National Theatre Chorus Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra Robert Jindra
Considered a lesser-known gem of the operatic repertoire, Smetana’s Dvě vdovy (‘The Two Widows’) is set in a Bohemian country estate in which the contrasting personalities of recently widowed cousins Karolína and Anežka are tested by the attentions of gentleman- farmer Ladislav. Smetana’s expert theatrical craftsmanship seamlessly blends Czech dances and choruses with beautiful cavatina-like solos. With the humane warmth of its chamber-like comedy and deftly transparent orchestration, Smetana created a style of conversational opera in The Two Widows that was much admired by Richard Strauss. Key features: • Somewhat overshadowed by the more festive and extrovert The Bartered Bride , Smetana’s The Two Widows is only represented in its complete form on disc by a couple of recordings on the Supraphon label. This new release will widen appreciation for a lovely and innovative opera that set an early precedent for stage works that derive narrative flow from the natural cadence of speech rather than being punctuated with grand arias and set pieces. • While far less well-known internationally than some other operas of its period, The Two Widows has never entirely left the repertoire of Czech opera houses. Following a number of revisions after its premiere in 1874, this is an opera in which discipline of form, sensitivity to the Czech language and thematic economy has seen it sustained by a tradition that values its blend of charm and truth to character.
8.660609-10 Release date: 13 Feb 2026
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Click to listen to Overture: Allegro non troppo – Andante – Allegro – Più mosso LISTEN
Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
Adriana Kučerová Karolína
Kateřina Kněžíková Anežka
Jana Sibera Lidunka
Pavol Breslik Ladislav
Petr Nekoranec Toník
Adam Plachetka Mumlal
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