The Bartered Bride

About

The Bartered Bride premiered in 1866 in Prague, penned by celebrated Czech composer Bedrich Smetana. The three-act comic opera follows the conflict that arises when Marenka's parents want her to marry the rich, foolish, Vasek. Of course, Marie has her heart set instead on the studly Jenik, who does not fit the bill for Marenka's family and marriage broker. In the end, it is revealed that Jenik and Vasek are secretly step brothers, and it may be this little fact that allows Jenik and Markenka to join together in marriage. The story borrows from the Czech folktale tradition, dramatized to fit the operatic form. It was part of an effort on Smetana's part to more firmly establish a Czech opera with a marked national character, also integrating traditional dance forms such as polka and furiant, into the piece.