Starter Packs

Complete your collection with these curated titles, grouped at a special discount.

Shop Now
Naxos

Smetana: The Two Widows

$19.99

Details

Composer
Bedrich Smetana
Artist
Adriana Kucerova, Katerina Knezikova, Pavol Breslik, Adam Plachetka, Jana Sibera, Petr Nekoranec, Pr
Format
CD
Label
Naxos
Released
Feb 13, 2026
Catalog #
8660609-10
UPC
730099060974

About

Considered a lesser-known gem of the operatic repertoire, Smetana's Dve vdovy ('The Two Widows') is set in a Bohemian country estate in which the contrasting personalities of recently widowed cousins Karolina and Anezka 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 it's 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.

Tracklist 27 tracks

  1. Disc 1
  2. 1 Overture 06:53
    Track
    1
    Title
    Overture
    Duration
    06:53
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Ensemble
    Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  3. 2 Act I Scene 1: Jitro krásné nebe jasné kyne nám (A lovely morning, clear skies greet us) (Chorus, Karolina) 04:45
    Track
    2
    Title
    Act I Scene 1: Jitro krásné nebe jasné kyne nám (A lovely morning, clear skies greet us) (Chorus, Karolina)
    Duration
    04:45
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Performer
    Adriana Kučerová
    Ensemble
    Prague National Theatre Chorus, Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  4. 3 Act I Scene 2: Recitative: Dobré jitro, drahá sestřenice! (Good morning, dear cousin!) (Anežka, Karolína) 01:09
    Track
    3
    Title
    Act I Scene 2: Recitative: Dobré jitro, drahá sestřenice! (Good morning, dear cousin!) (Anežka, Karolína)
    Duration
    01:09
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Performer
    Kateřina Kněžíková, Adriana Kučerová
    Ensemble
    Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  5. 4 Act I Scene 2: Samostatně vládnu já (I rule independently) (Karolína) 04:28
    Track
    4
    Title
    Act I Scene 2: Samostatně vládnu já (I rule independently) (Karolína)
    Duration
    04:28
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Performer
    Adriana Kučerová
    Ensemble
    Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  6. 5 Act I Scene 2: Recitative: Nuže, co mám tedy činit as? (Well then, what would you have me do?) (Anežka, Karolína) 00:58
    Track
    5
    Title
    Act I Scene 2: Recitative: Nuže, co mám tedy činit as? (Well then, what would you have me do?) (Anežka, Karolína)
    Duration
    00:58
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Performer
    Kateřina Kněžíková, Adriana Kučerová
    Ensemble
    Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  7. 6 Act I Scene 3: Dobré jitro, milostivá paní! (Good morning, gracious lady!) (Mumlal, Karolína, Anežka) 08:37
    Track
    6
    Title
    Act I Scene 3: Dobré jitro, milostivá paní! (Good morning, gracious lady!) (Mumlal, Karolína, Anežka)
    Duration
    08:37
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Performer
    Adam Plachetka, Adriana Kučerová, Kateřina Kněžíková
    Ensemble
    Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  8. 7 Act I Scene 3: Recitative: Jedinou to jeho ctností (His only redeeming grace is…) - Scene 4: Přivede-li jej, co pak? (If he brings him here now, what then?) (Mumlal, Karolína, Anežka) 02:52
    Track
    7
    Title
    Act I Scene 3: Recitative: Jedinou to jeho ctností (His only redeeming grace is…) - Scene 4: Přivede-li jej, co pak? (If he brings him here now, what then?) (Mumlal, Karolína, Anežka)
    Duration
    02:52
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Performer
    Adam Plachetka, Adriana Kučerová, Kateřina Kněžíková
    Ensemble
    Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  9. 8 Act I Scene 5: Dlouho-li zde budu bloudit (Will I wander here long) (Ladislav, Mumlal) 04:58
    Track
    8
    Title
    Act I Scene 5: Dlouho-li zde budu bloudit (Will I wander here long) (Ladislav, Mumlal)
    Duration
    04:58
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Performer
    Pavol Breslik, Adam Plachetka
    Ensemble
    Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  10. 9 Act I Scene 6: Recitative: V pořádku vše, milostpaní! (Everything is in order, gracious lady!) (Mumlal, Karolína, Anežka) 01:46
    Track
    9
    Title
    Act I Scene 6: Recitative: V pořádku vše, milostpaní! (Everything is in order, gracious lady!) (Mumlal, Karolína, Anežka)
    Duration
    01:46
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Performer
    Adam Plachetka, Adriana Kučerová, Kateřina Kněžíková
    Ensemble
    Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  11. 10 Act I Scene 7: Vězeň přede dveřmi tam! (The prisoner is at the door!) (Mumlal, Karolina, Ladislav, Anežka) 17:54
    Track
    10
    Title
    Act I Scene 7: Vězeň přede dveřmi tam! (The prisoner is at the door!) (Mumlal, Karolina, Ladislav, Anežka)
    Duration
    17:54
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Performer
    Adam Plachetka, Adriana Kučerová, Pavol Breslik, Kateřina Kněžíková
    Ensemble
    Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  12. 11 Act I Finale: Mumlale, hle, tu vás máme (Look, Mumlal, we've got you here) (Chorus, Mumlal, Lidunka, Toník, Ladislav, Karolína, Anežka) 04:59
    Track
    11
    Title
    Act I Finale: Mumlale, hle, tu vás máme (Look, Mumlal, we've got you here) (Chorus, Mumlal, Lidunka, Toník, Ladislav, Karolína, Anežka)
    Duration
    04:59
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Performer
    Adam Plachetka, Jana Sibera, Petr Nekoranec, Pavol Breslik, Adriana Kučerová, Kateřina Kněžíková
    Ensemble
    Prague National Theatre Chorus, Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  13. Disc 2
  14. 1 Act II: Prelude 02:49
    Track
    1
    Title
    Act II: Prelude
    Duration
    02:49
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Ensemble
    Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  15. 2 Act II Scene 1: Piseň (Song): Když zavítá máj (When May comes calling) (Ladislav) 02:41
    Track
    2
    Title
    Act II Scene 1: Piseň (Song): Když zavítá máj (When May comes calling) (Ladislav)
    Duration
    02:41
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Performer
    Pavol Breslik
    Ensemble
    Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  16. 3 Act II Scene 1: Recitative: Nechati zde muže toho (Fine idea keeping that man here) (Anežka, Karolina, Mumlal) 02:38
    Track
    3
    Title
    Act II Scene 1: Recitative: Nechati zde muže toho (Fine idea keeping that man here) (Anežka, Karolina, Mumlal)
    Duration
    02:38
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Performer
    Kateřina Kněžíková, Adriana Kučerová, Adam Plachetka
    Ensemble
    Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  17. 4 Act II Scene 2: Není pochybnosti více (There is no more doubt) (Karolina, Anežka) 08:06
    Track
    4
    Title
    Act II Scene 2: Není pochybnosti více (There is no more doubt) (Karolina, Anežka)
    Duration
    08:06
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Performer
    Adriana Kučerová, Kateřina Kněžíková
    Ensemble
    Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  18. 5 Act II Scene 3: Báseň! - Recitative: Dlouho-li pak chcete prchati (A poem! - Do you want to keep fleeing from me) (Anežka, Ladislav) 14:03
    Track
    5
    Title
    Act II Scene 3: Báseň! - Recitative: Dlouho-li pak chcete prchati (A poem! - Do you want to keep fleeing from me) (Anežka, Ladislav)
    Duration
    14:03
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Performer
    Kateřina Kněžíková, Pavol Breslik
    Ensemble
    Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  19. 6 Act II Scene 4: Recitative: Stůjte, pane! Jakže? (Halt, sir! What?) (Karolina, Anežka, Ladislav) 02:47
    Track
    6
    Title
    Act II Scene 4: Recitative: Stůjte, pane! Jakže? (Halt, sir! What?) (Karolina, Anežka, Ladislav)
    Duration
    02:47
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Performer
    Adriana Kučerová, Kateřina Kněžíková, Pavol Breslik
    Ensemble
    Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  20. 7 Act II Scene 5: Odcházejí spolu k radosti! (They are leaving together to have fun!) (Anežka) 08:55
    Track
    7
    Title
    Act II Scene 5: Odcházejí spolu k radosti! (They are leaving together to have fun!) (Anežka)
    Duration
    08:55
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Performer
    Kateřina Kněžíková
    Ensemble
    Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  21. 8 Act II Scene 6: Recitative: Dobře! Výborně! (Fine! Wonderful!) (Mumlal, Anežka) 01:28
    Track
    8
    Title
    Act II Scene 6: Recitative: Dobře! Výborně! (Fine! Wonderful!) (Mumlal, Anežka)
    Duration
    01:28
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Performer
    Adam Plachetka, Kateřina Kněžíková
    Ensemble
    Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  22. 9 Act II Scene 6: Piseň (Song): Nechť cokoliv mne zlobí v světě (When anything at all bothers me) (Mumlal) 03:40
    Track
    9
    Title
    Act II Scene 6: Piseň (Song): Nechť cokoliv mne zlobí v světě (When anything at all bothers me) (Mumlal)
    Duration
    03:40
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Performer
    Adam Plachetka
    Ensemble
    Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  23. 10 Act II Scene 6: Recitative: Milování hodný příteli (My beloved, worthy friend) (Anežka, Mumlal) 00:45
    Track
    10
    Title
    Act II Scene 6: Recitative: Milování hodný příteli (My beloved, worthy friend) (Anežka, Mumlal)
    Duration
    00:45
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Performer
    Kateřina Kněžíková, Adam Plachetka
    Ensemble
    Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  24. 11 Act II Scene 7: Co to, holka (What's this, girl?) (Toník, Lidunka, Mumlal) 04:07
    Track
    11
    Title
    Act II Scene 7: Co to, holka (What's this, girl?) (Toník, Lidunka, Mumlal)
    Duration
    04:07
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Performer
    Petr Nekoranec, Jana Sibera, Adam Plachetka
    Ensemble
    Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  25. 12 Act II Scene 8: Recitative: Zabruč, Mumlale, jim medvědem (Mumlal, go and grumble like a bear) (Karolina, Mumlal, Ladislav) 05:11
    Track
    12
    Title
    Act II Scene 8: Recitative: Zabruč, Mumlale, jim medvědem (Mumlal, go and grumble like a bear) (Karolina, Mumlal, Ladislav)
    Duration
    05:11
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Performer
    Adriana Kučerová, Adam Plachetka, Pavol Breslik
    Ensemble
    Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  26. 13 Act II Scene 9: Ha! Jaké to, ach, překvapení! (Ah, what a surprise) (Anežka, Ladislav, Karolina, Mumlal) 05:10
    Track
    13
    Title
    Act II Scene 9: Ha! Jaké to, ach, překvapení! (Ah, what a surprise) (Anežka, Ladislav, Karolina, Mumlal)
    Duration
    05:10
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Performer
    Kateřina Kněžíková, Pavol Breslik, Adriana Kučerová, Adam Plachetka
    Ensemble
    Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  27. 14 Act II Scene 9: Recitative: Milostivá! (Gracious lady) (Ladislav, Karolina, Anežka) 05:44
    Track
    14
    Title
    Act II Scene 9: Recitative: Milostivá! (Gracious lady) (Ladislav, Karolina, Anežka)
    Duration
    05:44
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Performer
    Pavol Breslik, Adriana Kučerová, Kateřina Kněžíková
    Ensemble
    Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  28. 15 Act II: Finale: Musí nás mít Pán Bůh rád (The Lord God must love us) (Chorus, Karolina) 02:10
    Track
    15
    Title
    Act II: Finale: Musí nás mít Pán Bůh rád (The Lord God must love us) (Chorus, Karolina)
    Duration
    02:10
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Performer
    Adriana Kučerová
    Ensemble
    Prague National Theatre Chorus, Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra
  29. 16 Act II: Finale: Polka - Musí nás mít Pán Bůh rád (The Lord God must love us) (Chorus) 03:56
    Track
    16
    Title
    Act II: Finale: Polka - Musí nás mít Pán Bůh rád (The Lord God must love us) (Chorus)
    Duration
    03:56
    Composer
    Bedřich Smetana
    Ensemble
    Prague National Theatre Chorus, Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Robert Jindra