The speculations about whether Libuše is Bedřich Smetana’s most mature work within the context of his opera oeuvre, or even within the context of Czech opera in general, whether and how it can stand its ground as against the airiness of The Bartered Bride, the lyricism and absorptive power of Dvořák’s Rusalka, or the emotion and drama of Leoš Janáček’s operas, do not result in definitive conclusions – it will always depend on the angle from which Libuše and any other renowned Czech opera is viewed.

Libuše

National Theatre Prague

Verdi said that for his new opera he was looking for a subject depicting "people of special characters as bearers of courageous and varied deeds." He found it in García Gutiérrez's successful drama set in 15th-century Spain. Verdi set this chivalric drama full of twists and turns and compelling denouements to music with typical romantic emotion, and it definitely does not lack magnificent melodies.

Daniel Dvořák

Events

Past events

Oct 28, 2026

Libuše · Národní divadlo

Sep 26, 2026

The Troubadour · J.K. Tyl Theatre

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