Bedřich Smetana · aftercurtain

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Dalibor

Music · Opera · 1868

Dalibor, a Czech knight, is tried for killing the burgrave of Ploskovice in revenge for the death of his friend Zdeněk. The court commutes his sentence to life imprisonment. Milada, the burgrave’s sister, falls in love with Dalibor and conspires with Jitka to free him. Disguised as a boy, she becomes the jailer Beneš’s assistant and visits Dalibor with Zdeněk’s violin. Their escape plan fails, and the king orders Dalibor’s execution. Milada storms the castle but is wounded and dies; Dalibor kills himself.

Libuše

Music · Opera · 1881

The Czech princess Libuše rules on a dispute between brothers over their father's estate, but the elder rejects her judgment because she is a woman. She calls Přemysl to become her husband and prince; after the brothers reconcile and Chrudoš apologizes, Libuše prophesies the future glory and trials of the Czech nation.

The Bartered Bride

Music · Opera · 1866

At a village fair, Mařenka and Jeník declare their love, though her parents want her to marry Vašek, the son of a wealthy landowner. The marriage broker Kecal offers Jeník money to give Mařenka up. Jeník appears to agree, but stipulates that she may marry only a son of Mícha. Meanwhile, Mařenka meets Vašek in disguise and persuades him to give up the marriage. When she learns about Jeník’s contract, she believes he has betrayed her and agrees to marry Vašek. Jeník is then revealed as Mícha’s elder son, fulfilling the contract. Mařenka understands his scheme and they marry; Vašek’s antics in a bear costume convince his parents he is not ready for marriage.

The Brandenburgers in Bohemia

Music · Opera · 1866

During the Brandenburg occupation of Bohemia, Prague’s mayor Volfram suffers the plundering of the city and the detention of his daughters by the occupying troops. His daughter Ludiše rejects Jan Tausendmark, who joins the occupiers. The serf Jíra is accused of leading a revolt and condemned to death, but Junoš rescues him. Tausendmark fails to secure Ludiše, and the Brandenburgers are driven from Prague as the city is liberated.

The Devil's Wall

Music · Opera · 1882

Jarek has sworn not to marry until his lord Vok does, while Vok has been unable to love since a past rejection. The demon Rarach exploits their hopes and the lovers’ oaths, but after Vok recognizes his former beloved’s daughter Hedvika and opens his heart to her, Rarach tries to flood the monastery by building a wall across the Vltava. Beneš breaks the demon’s power, and Vok and Hedvika as well as Jarek and Katuška can marry.

The Kiss

Music · Opera · 1876

Lukáš, a young widower, hopes to marry Vendulka, but she refuses to kiss him before their wedding because she fears disturbing the ghost of his late wife. Angered, Lukáš leaves and dances with other village girls, prompting Vendulka to flee. In a forest, smugglers and Vendulka’s aunt Martinka help reunite the unhappy couple. Lukáš apologizes to Vendulka and her father, and they finally kiss.

The Secret

Music · Opera · 1878

Kalina and Róza once loved each other, but their families kept them apart; now widowed Kalina and Róza remain estranged while their children, Vít and Blaženka, fall in love. A note promising hidden treasure sends Kalina into a tunnel, where he discovers that the greatest treasure is a loving woman; he returns to Róza, sets aside his pride, and both young couples win their families' consent to marry.

The Two Widows

Music · Opera · 1874

The widows Karolina and Anežka have contrasting temperaments: Karolina enjoys independence, while Anežka remains in mourning. Karolina schemes to bring Anežka and Ladislav together, but jealousy and romantic maneuvering complicate the plan before both widows and a second couple become engaged.

Viola

Music · Opera · 1900

This unfinished romantic opera is based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and includes characters such as Viola, Sebastian, Orsino, and Olivia.

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