Smetana: The Two Widows

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.

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.