Bedřich Smetana - The Two Widows (Robert Jindra)

Information

Composer: Bedřich Smetana

• Dvě vdovy, JB 1:108

Adriana Kučerová; Kateřina Kněžíková

Pavol Breslik; Adam Plachetka

Jana Sibera; Petr Nekoranec

Prague National Theatre Chorus

Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra

Robert Jindra, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Naxos

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Bedřich Smetana’s Dvě vdovy (The Two Widows) is a refined yet often overlooked operatic gem set on a Bohemian country estate. The story centers on the contrasting temperaments of two recently widowed cousins, Karolína and Anežka, whose views on love are tested by the courtship of the gentleman-farmer Ladislav. Smetana’s assured theatrical craftsmanship blends Czech dances and choral writing with lyrical, cavatina-like solos. Through its chamber-like intimacy, transparent orchestration, and humane warmth, he fashioned a conversational operatic style in The Two Widows that later earned the admiration of Richard Strauss.

Robert Jindra (born 1977, Prague) studied singing and conducting at the Prague Conservatory and has established himself as a prominent figure on the European operatic scene. Since September 2022, he has served as Music Director of the National Theatre and was Chief Conductor of the Košice State Philharmonic Orchestra from 2021 to 2024. His international engagements include appearances at the Bavarian State Opera, Staatsoper Berlin, Semperoper Dresden, Oper Frankfurt, and Wiener Staatsoper. From 2018 to 2021, he was First Kapellmeister at the Aalto Musiktheater, where he conducted a wide-ranging operatic repertoire to critical acclaim.