The Stubborn Lovers (Tvrdé palice) - Antonín Dvorák
Information about the opera The Stubborn Lovers by Antonín Dvorák, and the best recordings available on CD or DVD, or for download.
A light and tuneful comedy, with a score indebted to Smetana's The Bartered Bride.
Synopsis
The opera tells the story of Toník and Lenka, a couple determined to resist family pressure to marry, even though they are attracted to each other. Eventually, after several misunderstandings, their godfather Rericha contrives to bring about a reconciliation, and they are married.
Recommended recordings on CD
Belohlávek/Janál/Brezina (Supraphon SU3765-2)
A beautiful performance with an all-Czech cast that relishes every word of the text.
Prague Philharmonic Chorus, Prague Philharmonia, conducted by Jiri Belohlávek.
Cast: Roman Janál (Vávra), Jaroslav Brezina (Toník), Jana Sykorová (Ríhová), Zdena Kloubová (Lenka), Gustáv Belácek (Rericha).
Supraphon SU3765-2