The Bartered Bride: The Vienna Master Series: 2 CD Set

Kranzberg, Germany: Pilz CD , 1992. "Die verkaufte Braut" ("The Bartered Bride", or "The Sold Bride"), one of the most successful and beautiful of modern operas was first produced in 1895. Its overture was first known as "Lustspiel," or "Comedy Overture," and is considered the gem of the work. The story of the opera is a simple one. Hans, the step-son of the peasant Micha, after being driven from home, returns and falls in love with Marenka. Her mother consents to the proposal of Kezal, the marriage broker, that she shall marry Wenzel, Hans’ half-brother. Then the broker offers a bribe to Hans if he will abandon his claim. Hans agrees provided Marenka will marry "the son of Micha." Marenka is grieved at the seeming abandonment, but at last Hans reveals himself and all are happy. The symphonic poems of "My Fatherland" are all closely connected with Czech landscape and culture. CD 1 contains The Bartered Bride, Memory of Pilsen, Libusa: Overture String Quartet No. 1 E minor "From My Life"; performed by the Philharmonic Orchestra Prague, conductor Libor Pesek. CD 2 contains My Fatherland; performed by the Czechoslovakian State Philharmony Prague, conductor Libor Pesek; and Philharmonia Slavonica, conductor Denis Zsoltay. CDs have a few tiny fine scratches which does not affect the quality or function of the recordings. Crystal case has a few light scratches. Includes original CDs, case and artwork inserts. Scarce.. Digital Media. Very Good. 16mo - over 5¾" - 6¾" tall. CD-ROM.