BEDRICH SMETANA (1824-1884): Dalibor.
Catalogue Number: 05N040
Label: Supraphon
Reference: SU 4091-2
Format: CD
Price: $15.98
Description: Remarkably, this 1979 Brno recording is the third version of Smetana's 1868 historical opera to see life on CD. Set in 15th century Prague, the opera was criticized for being a Czech Fidelio due to the character Milada's Leonore-like attempt to rescue Dalibor from prison but the resemblance is superficial. The monothematicism and use of recurring leitmotifs is closer to Liszt and early Wagner. 2 CDs. No libretto. 12-page synopsis. Eva Depoltová, Nad'a Sormová (sopranos), Vilém Pribyl (tenor), Václav Zítek (baritone), Brno State Opera Chorus, Brno State Philharmonic Orchestra; Václav Smetácek.