BEDRICH SMETANA (1824-1884): Libuse.

Description: Smetana's most overtly nationalistic opera (and, he felt, his finest opera) opened the National Theatre in 1881, nine years after it was written. Dramatic and colorful, with the expected infusions of Czech folk music, this 1965 classic recording now offers an inexpensive alternative to the 1998 Supraphon full-price new recording. 2 CDs. Libretto/translation available on-line. Nadezda Kniplová (soprano), Václav Bednár (tenor), Zdenek Kroupa (bass), Ivo Zídek (baritone), Prague National Theatre Chorus and Orchestra; Jaroslav Krombholc. Original 1966 LP release.