D. J. Edwards | Cheshire, CT United States | 05/12/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am greatly puzzled as to how Czech and Polish opera on recordings are so neglected. This is a great work and the orchestration is very beautiful. The sopranos have that slight Slavish edge but Urbanova is especially effectively dramatic and the voice soars in both arias and as well as in the ensembles. Popov is slow to start but he too is very moving and has beautiful tone and power. The bass voices are rich, full and expressive and like their counterparts have this work in their blood. Along with "The Haunted Manor" on EMI and the older "Bartered Bride" on Supraphon with Benackova all belong on our opera shelves. I don't think this will disappoint. Again I find it amazing that this recording has had no other reviews. I hope we're not all tone deaf."