Smetana: Libuše
Kateřina Kněžíková, Libuše
Prague Philharmonic Choir
Czech Philharmonic
Jakub Hrůša, conductor
Smetana’s Libuše in an extraordinary performance by Jakub Hrůša and the Czech Philharmonic
This new recording of Smetana’s Libuše captures one of the highpoints of the Year of Czech Music 2024, which brought together the Czech Philharmonic, the Prague Philharmonic Choir, and leading Czech vocal soloists under the baton of Jakub Hrůša. This festive opera, created for the opening of the National Theatre in Prague, transcends its role as a historical tableau and a symbol of national identity. In it, Smetana tells a story of the search for a just order, the responsibilities of a ruler, and the ability to overcome personal disputes for the good of society as a whole, values that have lost none of their relevance. Soprano Kateřina Kněžíková appears in the title role, combining the regal dignity of Princess Libuše with the lyrical tenderness and human dimension of this legendary figure. Conductor Jakub Hrůša reveals not only the monumental and ceremonial dimension of Smetana’s score, but also its wealth of colour, the transparency of its more intimate passages, and the subtle shaping of psychological tension. Under his leadership, the Czech Philharmonic creates a dynamic arc that moves from conflict and reconciliation to Libuše’s final prophecy – a grand vision of Czech history in which the past opens a path to the future. The recording was made in May and June 2024 at concerts of the Prague Spring International Music Festival and during preparations for the Smetana Litomyšl Festival, as part of the Smetana200 project.
Kateřina Kněžíková (Libuše)
Adam Plachetka (Přemysl)
Alžběta Poláčková (Krasava)
Martin Bárta (Chrudoš)
Jan Šťáva (Lutobor)
Richard Samek (Šťáhlav)
Jiří Brückler (Radovan)
Václava Krejčí Housková (Radmila)
ACT 1
Overture
Scene 1: You, Krok’s Illustrious Daughter
Eternal Gods, Ye That Dwell Above the Clouds
I Cannot Join Them!
Scene 2: Alas That Between Sons Such
Scene 3: The Snake Is Not Here
You Elders, Chieftains!
I Am the Elder Son
Both the Kinsmen, Brothers Klenovici
You Yourselves Have Heard How He Insulted Me
ACT 2
Scene 1: Water the Horses Now and Wait for Me!
My Father, Before You Proclaim Your Severe Judgment
Like a Dark Cloud Chrudoš Rushed Through the Burg’s Gates
Scene 2: My Uncle Bid Me to My Father’s Grave
With Krasava He’s Reconciled!
Scene 3: Heya! Heya! Without Rest Onward
The Sun Is Blazing
Nature Might Will Reward Our Labours
Scene 4: The Work Is Finished
But I Shall Remain Here… O, Ye Lime-Trees
Scene 4, 5: What Is This Noise?… From Libuše We Bring You Greetings
Peace Be With You, My Father’s Quiet Gardens
In My Mind to You!
ACT 3
Scene 1: Peace Is Made Again Between Two Brothers
Scene 2: He Comes! He Still Remains Hidden…
Scene 3: Welcome to Us
Scene 4: Did She Not Say That All the Power…
Scene 5: Ceremonial Procession
Hail, Stronghold Vyšehrad… O Gods, Ye, Who Are Surrounded by Glory
I Have Learned About Two Brothers‘ Cruel
“This triumphant new recording sweeps the board – the Libuse here Katerina Knezikova is absolutely outstanding, and what she has that Benackova doesn’t is a kind of warmth and humanity to the singing that brings a completely different dimension to what can be quite an Amazon-like character. She comes across as altogether more interesting to be honest… What makes this completely unmissable is the playing of the Czech Philharmonic: an incendiary level of commitment, conducted with inspirational energy by Jakub Hrusa who truly loves this piece and it shows […] The best played, best recorded and certainly the most complete Libuse in the catalogue.”