Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Czech classical music with Bedřich Smetana's "The Devil's Wall," a monumental opera that showcases the composer's mastery of storytelling and melody. Released on August 9, 2024, by SUPRAPHON a.s., this album is a must-listen for fans of classical music and opera enthusiasts alike.
"The Devil's Wall" is a grand, dramatic work that spans over two hours and sixteen minutes, divided into three acts, each filled with intricate scenes and captivating characters. The opera tells a tale of love, betrayal, and supernatural intervention, set against the backdrop of historical events in medieval Bohemia. Smetana's composition is a vivid portrayal of these themes, with each character's voice meticulously crafted to reflect their personality and motivations.
The album features a stellar cast of vocalists, each bringing their unique interpretation to the roles. The interplay between the characters, such as Jarek, Katuška, Vok Vítkovic, and the enigmatic Devil, creates a dynamic and engaging narrative that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The orchestration is equally impressive, with Smetana's use of leitmotifs and rich harmonies adding depth and complexity to the score.
This recording is a testament to Smetana's enduring legacy as one of the most important figures in Czech music history. His ability to blend nationalistic themes with universal human experiences makes "The Devil's Wall" a timeless piece that continues to resonate with audiences today. Whether you are a seasoned opera aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a compelling and enriching listening experience that highlights the beauty and power of classical music.
Tracks
The Devil´s Wall: OvertureBedřich Smetana, Zdeněk Chalabala, Prague National Theatre Orchestra
The Devil´s Wall, Act I Scene 1: A Horse Without a Rider Has Come (Jarek, Michálek)Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Votava, Zdeněk Chalabala, Ivo Zidek, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Karel Berman, Ladislav Mraz
The Devil´s Wall, Act I Scene 1: He Is the First Man Among the Czechs… At First Sight We Can’t Be (Jarek, Michálek, Beneš, The devil)Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Votava, Zdeněk Chalabala, Ivo Zidek, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Karel Berman, Ladislav Mraz
The Devil´s Wall, Act I Scene 2: No One? … Happy Me (Katuška)Bedřich Smetana, Libuše Domanínská, Zdeněk Chalabala, Prague National Theatre Orchestra
The Devil´s Wall, Act I Scene 2: The Morn’s Greetings! … The Sun Has Risen (Katuška)Bedřich Smetana, Libuše Domanínská, Zdeněk Chalabala, Prague National Theatre Chorus, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Milan Malý
The Devil´s Wall, Act I Scene 3: I Bid You Welcom, My Maiden (Jarek, Katuška)Bedřich Smetana, Libuše Domanínská, Zdeněk Chalabala, Ivo Zidek, Prague National Theatre Orchestra
The Devil´s Wall, Act I Scene 3: Have You, Perchance, Lost Faith in Me? … Thus to Rest in Your Arms (Jarek, Katuška)Bedřich Smetana, Libuše Domanínská, Zdeněk Chalabala, Ivo Zidek, Prague National Theatre Orchestra
The Devil´s Wall, Act I Scene 4: Ha, ha, ha, My Dearest Ones (Jarek, Michálek, Katuška, The devil)Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Votava, Zdeněk Chalabala, Ivo Zidek, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Karel Berman, Ladislav Mraz
The Devil´s Wall, Act I Scene 5: Welcome Home, Our Noble Lord (Vok Vítkovic, Záviš Vítkovic, Jarek, Michálek)Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Votava, Václav Bednář, Zdeněk Chalabala, Ivo Zidek, Prague National Theatre Chorus, Ivana Mixová, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Milan Malý
The Devil´s Wall, Act I Scene 5: My, My Lord! O, My Dearest Lord! (Vok Vítkovic, Záviš Vítkovic, Jarek, Michálek, Katuška, The devil)Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Votava, Libuše Domanínská, Václav Bednář, Zdeněk Chalabala, Ivo Zidek, Prague National Theatre Chorus, Ivana Mixová, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Ladislav Mraz, Milan Malý
The Devil´s Wall, Act I Scene 5: O, Woe Is Me! (Vok Vítkovic, Jarek, Michálek, Katuška, The devil)Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Votava, Libuše Domanínská, Václav Bednář, Zdeněk Chalabala, Ivo Zidek, Prague National Theatre Chorus, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Ladislav Mraz, Milan Malý
The Devil´s Wall, Act I Scene 6: A Swift Messenger Is Approaching... Is It for Me? (Vok Vítkovic, Záviš Vítkovic, The devil)Bedřich Smetana, Václav Bednář, Zdeněk Chalabala, Ivana Mixová, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Ladislav Mraz
The Devil´s Wall, Act I Scene 6: Only One Lovely Woman´s Beauty Touched Me (Vok Vítkovic, Záviš Vítkovic)Bedřich Smetana, Václav Bednář, Zdeněk Chalabala, Prague National Theatre Orchestra
The Devil´s Wall, Act I Scene 6: In Fatherly Way You Wish to Protect Her (The devil, Vok Vítkovic, Beneš)Bedřich Smetana, Václav Bednář, Zdeněk Chalabala, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Karel Berman, Ladislav Mraz
The Devil´s Wall, Act II Scene 1: Who Will Offer Shelter to the Weary? (Jarek, The devil)Bedřich Smetana, Zdeněk Chalabala, Ivo Zidek, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Ladislav Mraz
The Devil´s Wall, Act II Scene 1: Where Can I Flee before so Sweet an Image? (Jarek, The devil)Bedřich Smetana, Zdeněk Chalabala, Ivo Zidek, Prague National Theatre Orchestra
The Devil´s Wall, Act II Scene 1: Sleep, My Innocent One! (The devil)Bedřich Smetana, Zdeněk Chalabala, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Ladislav Mraz
The Devil´s Wall, Act II Scene 1: May Love’s Sweet Delusion (The devil)Bedřich Smetana, Zdeněk Chalabala, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Ladislav Mraz
The Devil´s Wall, Act II Scene 2: It Is Hard to Get Accustomed To! (Michálek)Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Votava, Zdeněk Chalabala, Prague National Theatre Orchestra
The Devil´s Wall, Act II Scene 3: Do Something, Father, That Lord Vok May Now Take That (Jarek, Michálek, Katuška, The devil)Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Votava, Libuše Domanínská, Zdeněk Chalabala, Ivo Zidek, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Ladislav Mraz
The Devil´s Wall, Act II Scene 4: Jarek! My Dearest Friend! Welcome!… Like an Orphaned Bird (Vok Vítkovic, Záviš Vítkovic)Bedřich Smetana, Václav Bednář, Zdeněk Chalabala, Ivana Mixová, Prague National Theatre Orchestra
The Devil´s Wall, Act II Scene 4: O, What Great Happiness (Vok Vítkovic, Záviš Vítkovic, Jarek, Michálek, Katuška)Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Votava, Libuše Domanínská, Václav Bednář, Zdeněk Chalabala, Ivo Zidek, Ivana Mixová, Prague National Theatre Orchestra
The Devil´s Wall, Act II Scene 5: Welcome, Welcome to This Castle! (Vok Vítkovic, Záviš Vítkovic, Jarek, Michálek, Katuška)Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Votava, Libuše Domanínská, Václav Bednář, Zdeněk Chalabala, Ivo Zidek, Prague National Theatre Chorus, Ivana Mixová, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Milan Malý
The Devil´s Wall, Act II Scene 5: I Am an Orphan… Your Dearest Mother’s Voice (Vok Vítkovic, Hedvika)Bedřich Smetana, Václav Bednář, Zdeněk Chalabala, Prague National Theatre Chorus, Milada Šubrtová, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Milan Malý
The Devil´s Wall, Act II Scene 6: O, What a Whirl! (Vok Vítkovic, Beneš, The devil)Bedřich Smetana, Václav Bednář, Zdeněk Chalabala, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Karel Berman, Ladislav Mraz
The Devil´s Wall, Act II Scene 7: What Is Your Grave News, Our Lord? (Vok Vítkovic, Záviš Vítkovic, Jarek, Hedvika, Michálek, Katuška, Beneš)Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Votava, Libuše Domanínská, Václav Bednář, Zdeněk Chalabala, Ivo Zidek, Prague National Theatre Chorus, Ivana Mixová, Milada Šubrtová, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Karel Berman, Milan Malý
The Devil´s Wall, Act III Scene 1: There´s the Monastery (Vok Vítkovic, Záviš Vítkovic)Bedřich Smetana, Václav Bednář, Zdeněk Chalabala, Ivana Mixová, Prague National Theatre Orchestra
The Devil´s Wall, Act III Scene 2: Where Are You Taking Me? (Vok Vítkovic, Záviš Vítkovic, Jarek, Hedvika, Katuška)Bedřich Smetana, Libuše Domanínská, Václav Bednář, Zdeněk Chalabala, Ivo Zidek, Ivana Mixová, Milada Šubrtová, Prague National Theatre Orchestra
The Devil´s Wall, Act III Scene 3: My Eyes Have Seen It! (Záviš Vítkovic, Michálek, Beneš)Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Votava, Zdeněk Chalabala, Ivana Mixová, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Karel Berman
The Devil´s Wall, Act III Scene 4: I Am Good Shepherd of Sheep (Beneš, The devil)Bedřich Smetana, Zdeněk Chalabala, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Karel Berman, Ladislav Mraz
The Devil´s Wall, Act III Scene 5: "Come, Quietly and Stealthily", Act III Scene 5: Come, Quietly and StealthilyBedřich Smetana, Zdeněk Chalabala, Prague National Theatre Chorus, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Milan Malý
The Devil´s Wall, Act III Scene 6: Ah! Run for safety! (The devil)Bedřich Smetana, Zdeněk Chalabala, Prague National Theatre Chorus, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Ladislav Mraz, Milan Malý
The Devil´s Wall, Act III Scene 6: A Hellish DanceBedřich Smetana, Zdeněk Chalabala, Prague National Theatre Orchestra
The Devil´s Wall, Act III Scene 6: Enough Now! (The devil)Bedřich Smetana, Zdeněk Chalabala, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Ladislav Mraz
The Devil´s Wall, Act III Scene 7: Ah, I Know Why Záviš Is Pursuing Me So Hard!… O, God of Love (Hedvika)Bedřich Smetana, Zdeněk Chalabala, Milada Šubrtová, Prague National Theatre Orchestra
The Devil´s Wall, Act III Scene 7: Where Are You Going? To Help and Save Vok (Jarek, Katuška, The devil, Hedvika)Bedřich Smetana, Libuše Domanínská, Ivo Zidek, Milada Šubrtová, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Ladislav Mraz
The Devil´s Wall, Act III Scene 8: Save Yourselves! Floods Threaten the Monastery! (Vok Vítkovic, Jarek, Hedvika, Beneš)Bedřich Smetana, Václav Bednář, Zdeněk Chalabala, Ivo Zidek, Milada Šubrtová, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Karel Berman
The Devil´s Wall, Act III Scene 9: To Pray Alone He Went to the Church (Záviš Vítkovic, Jarek, Michálek, Katuška, Beneš)Bedřich Smetana, Antonín Votava, Libuše Domanínská, Václav Bednář, Zdeněk Chalabala, Ivo Zidek, Prague National Theatre Chorus, Ivana Mixová, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Karel Berman, Milan Malý, Milada Šubrtová
The Devil´s Wall, Act III Scene 9: Permit, Lord of the Rose (Vok Vítkovic, Hedvika, Beneš)Bedřich Smetana, Václav Bednář, Zdeněk Chalabala, Prague National Theatre Chorus, Milada Šubrtová, Prague National Theatre Orchestra, Karel Berman, Milan Malý
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