Smetana, Bedrich
The Bartered Bride (1863-66, rev.1870)
Comic opera in three acts
Libretto by Karel Sabina; German adaptation by Max Kalbeck; new German translation by Walter Felsenstein (Cz,E,G)
Scoring
3S,M,4T,Bar,2B,children; chorus; ballet;
2.picc.2.2.2-4.2.3.0-timp-perc:TD/BD/tgl/cyms-strings;
On-stage: picc-tpt-perc:SD/BD/cyms.
Abbreviations (PDF).
Territory
This work is available from Boosey & Hawkes for the world.
World Premiere
5/30/1866
National Theatre, Prague
Company: Unknown
World premiere of version
9/21/1950
Berlin
Company: Unknown
Roles
| KRUSCHINA, a peasant | Character Baritone |
| KATHINKA, his wife | Lyric Soprano |
| MARIE, their daughter | Dramatic Soprano |
| MICHA, landowner | Bass |
| AGNES, his wife | Mezzo Soprano |
| WENZEL, their son | Buffo Tenor |
| HANS, Micha's son from his first marriage | Lyric Tenor |
| KEZAL, marriage broker | Bass |
| SPRINGER, director of a group of wandering artists | Character Tenor |
| ESMERALDA, dancer | Soubrette Soprano |
| MUFF, a comedian disguised as a Red Indian | Tenor |
| TWO BOYS | speaking roles |
| Villagers, Equestrians |
Time and Place
A large village in Bohemia in the middle of the 19th century
Synopsis
Hans consoles the sad Marie Kruschina, who is supposed to marry Wenzel, the son of the rich landowner Micha, against her will. Hans vows fidelity to her, but does not tell her that he is Micha's son from his first marriage and that he went away because of his evil stepmother Agnes years ago. Defiantly Marie vows before her parents and the marriage broker Kezal, who has brought about the liaison, that she will not accept anybody as her husband except Hans. Kezal, who fears for his share of the dowry, tries to persuade Hans to abandon Marie. Hans agrees against an indemnity of 300 guldens and under the condition that Marie may only marry the son of the peasant Micha. Kezal, who is not aware that Micha has got another son, accepts. When Marie is informed of the deal, Hans no longer exists for her. At last he tells her about his identity and the game he played with Kezal, but she only believes him when Micha, too, recognizes Hans to be his son and embraces him.
Moods
Poetic, Romantic
Subjects
Relationships, Society
Items on Sale
| Bartered Bride | (Vocal Score) | > Details |
