COMPOSERS: Smetana
LABELS: Supraphon
WORKS: Libuse
PERFORMER: Eva Urbanová, Vratislav Krízí, Ludek Vele, Jan Markvart; Prague National Theatre Chorus & Orchestra/Oliver Dohnányi
CATALOGUE NO: SU 3200-2 DDD
Destined for the opening of the Czech national theatre, Libuse has always occupied a special place in Smetana’s output. Though less dramatically compelling than his other serious operas, it is full of noble, aspiring melody. Urbanová gives her finest recorded performance to date: her commanding tone makes the climactic prophecy scenes electrifying. Taken from a staged performance, it is not without cut or blemish, but Dohnányi shows a strong sense of pace and atmosphere. Jan Smaczny
Smetana: Libuse
Destined for the opening of the Czech national theatre, Libuse has always occupied a special place in Smetana’s output. Though less dramatically compelling than his other serious operas, it is full of noble, aspiring melody. Urbanová gives her finest recorded performance to date: her commanding tone makes the climactic prophecy scenes electrifying. Taken from a staged performance, it is not without cut or blemish, but Dohnányi shows a strong sense of pace and atmosphere. Jan Smaczny
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:06 pm