Search - Vilem Blodek, Jan Stych, Prague National Theatre Orchestra :: Vilém Blodek: V studni (In The Well)

Generally fine performances of a charming work

G.D. | Norway | 01/31/2010

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Vilem Blodek wrote his charming opera to a libretto by Karel Sabina, most famous for being the librettist for Smetana's Bartered Bride. The story is simple and charming and the opera was a success at its premiere in 1867, after which it has managed to retain a toehold in the repertoire among Czech opera houses. Blodek's music also reminds one of Smetana's more famous work; it is well-crafted, varied and always at least agreeable. It doesn't sport the same tunefulness as Smetana's work, but still contains its own share of moderately memorable melodic material. It couldn't quite be mistaken for a Smetana opera, however - Blodek manages to insert his own personal touches here and there, and there are influences from German fairy-tale romanticism (Lortzing, Flotow etc.) that you don't find in Smetana, for instance in the gorgeous moonlight interlude.



The singing is generally fine if not always world-class. Karel Berman's Janek is very sympathetically characterized, spirited and technically impeccable. Vojtech Kocian's Vojtech is a little grayer - nothing objectionable, but the characterization lacks the charisma of Berman (ironic, given that the character Vojtech is supposed to be the sympathetic one compared to his rival Janek). Among the female roles Daniela Sounova-Broukova is innocent-sounding enough as Lidunka, but the voice has a hard edge and a tendency towards shrillness in louder passages. Libuge Marova is a strong Verona. The choral and orchestral performances are generally good, although the recorded sound isn't particularly flattering; hard and rough. In sum, then, this is not quite an essential addition to one's collection, but if one warms to the Smetana operas one should definitely give it a try."