Dvořák - Act 2 from Rusalka, Op. 114 (1900) with score

Performers: Milada Šubrtová (Rusalka), Eduard Haken (Vodník), Marie Ovčačíková (Ježibaba), Ivo Žídek (Prince), Václav Bednář (Hunter), Zdeněk Chalabala (conductor), Milan Malý (chorus master), Prague National Theatre Chorus, Prague National Theatre Orchestra
There are some cuts in this recording which did not sync too well with the video.
Notes from antonin-dvorak.cz:
Dvořák began writing his opera Rusalka in the last stage of his career, at a time he was focusing almost exclusively on fairy-tale or mythical themes. His four symphonic poems inspired by the ballads from Erben’s Bouquet were followed by three operas, The Devil and Kate, Rusalka and Armida. The successful premiere of The Devil and Kate prompted Dvořák to write a new work for the theatre, and he immediately began searching for an appropriate libretto. At that time he was possibly also entertaining the idea once again of writing a setting for Karel Pippich’s drama The Death of Vlasta, which he had considered previously (it was later set to music by Otakar Ostrčil). At that time he discussed the type of libretto he was after in a newspaper interview for the daily Politik, according to which he sought a story from Czech history. Probably during the course of March 1900, through the mediation of National Theatre director František Adolf Šubert, Dvořák was offered a text written by poet Jaroslav Kvapil entitled Rusalka. This fairy tale, about a water nymph who pays dearly for the chance to love a human being, struck a strong chord with Dvořák. After consulting music critic Emanuel Chvála, who also recommended the libretto, the composer accepted the text. Work on the opera took seven months: he began writing it on 21 April 1900 and he completed Act Three on 27 November of that year.
Synopsis for Act 2:
A wedding feast is being prepared at the castle, but it seems that Rusalka is not welcomed by everyone: the Turnspit and the Gamekeeper sense that she isn’t an ordinary human being like them. A beautiful Foreign Princess has also been invited as a wedding guest, whose obvious sensuality is in direct contrast to Rusalka’s quiet fragility. The Princess does not love the Prince, but her ambition drives her to fight for his favour. The fickle Prince, intoxicated by her beauty, forgets about his bride. The Water Sprite who, fearful of what might happen to Rusalka, moves to the castle lake and observes her grief with forlorn eyes. During the ceremonial ball, the Prince selfishly casts Rusalka aside and completely surrenders to the Princess’s charms. The Water Sprite takes Rusalka back to his lake and casts a curse over the Prince. Terrified, the Prince seeks refuge with the Princess, but she rejects him out of hand.

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[@steveegallo3384]

a real COLOSSUS of Grand Opera.....BRAVI TUTTI.....from Mexico City!

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it's not a grand opera,,,,,

[@steveegallo3384]

@@PM_ME_MESSIAEN_PICS -- "Rusalka , Op. 114, is a 1901 opera ('lyric fairy tale') by Antonín Dvořák. The Czech libretto was written by the poet Jaroslav Kvapil (1868-1950) based on the fairy tales of Karel Jaromír Erben and Božena Němcová. A rusalka is a water sprite from Slavic mythology, usually inhabiting a lake or river. Rusalka was the ninth opera Dvořák composed. It is Dvořák's most successful opera and belongs to the re…..."

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@@steveegallo3384 a grand opéra is a French five act opera with ballet