Summary Bedřich Smetana. The sold bride
SOLD BRIDE
Comic opera in three acts
Libretto by K. Sabina (Russian text by S. Mikhalkov)
Characters:
Krushin, the peasant Lyudmila, his wife Mazhenka, their daughter Micha, a rich peasant Gata, his wife Vasek, their son Enik, son of Miha from his first marriage Ketsal, village matchmaker Director of the circus Esmeralda, a comedian Indian, Comedian | Baritone Soprano Soprano Bass Mezzo soprano Tenor Tenor Bass Tenor Soprano Tenor |
Peasants, village youth (boys and girls), artists of a wandering circus are comedians.
The action takes place in the Czech Republic.
Time: 19th century.
PLOT
A small Czech village. Peasants
The boys gathered in the tavern. They drink wine, praising an intoxicating drink. Enik says that love is stronger than wine. Svat Kecal intervenes in the conversation. In his opinion, love is nonsense, the most important thing in life is money. No, love can not be sold, says Yenik. A squashed Washka appears on the square; he is stupid, besides short-sighted and stuttering. Vashek is delighted that he marries Mazhenka. But he had never seen his bride. Using this, Mazhenka mocks him. Does he not know that the bride is ugly, grumpy, and sworn to lime him? Meanwhile, there is a girl in the village who has long loved him. In this case, Mazhenka shows herself. Joy of the Wash there is no limit. He is ready to marry this beautiful girl. But what will his mother say? Finally confused, Washiek gives the floor to abandon the prospective bride. And the matchmaker Ketsal persuades Enika to forget Mazhenka. After all, Yenik is a poor man, he needs a rich bride. There is a matchmaker in mind such a girl. And for the fact that Yenik refuses Mazhenka, Ketsal will give him the compensation. These words make Enikku prick up his ears. He figured out how to conduct a matchmaker, and, having broken for a look, agrees to give up Mazhenka for three hundred ducats. At the same time, Yenik puts one condition: he demands that the contract be specified that Mazhenka should marry only Mikhail’s son. A satisfied matchmaker calls witnesses and signs a contract. Everyone is indignant with Enik’s act: is it a joke, did he sell his bride? agrees to give up Mazhenka for three hundred ducats. At the same time, Enik puts one condition: he demands that the contract be specified that Mazhenka should marry only Mikhail’s son. A satisfied matchmaker calls witnesses and signs a contract. Everyone is indignant with Enik’s act: is it a joke, did he sell his bride? agrees to give up Mazhenka for three hundred ducats. At the same time, Yenik puts one condition: he demands that the contract be specified that Mazhenka should marry only Mikhail’s son. A satisfied matchmaker calls witnesses and signs a contract. Everyone is indignant with Enik’s act: is it a joke, did he sell his bride?
Coming into the village is a troupe of comedians. People gather on the square, the show begins. Vashik attracted a gypsy Esmeralda, he tries to talk to her. Suddenly it is found that the actor, who was supposed to play the role of a bear, is drunk. The director of the theater manages with the help of Esmeralda to persuade Vashka to speak in his stead. At Vashka put on a bear skin. Parents are horrified to see Vashka in the role of a trained bear. Vashek announces to them that he does not want to marry Mazhenka. Miha and Ketsal suspect that this Yenik managed to spoil the whole thing. We must give him money as soon as possible. But also Маженка learns, that Еник has sold it. The girl is offended. Enik tries in vain to calm his beloved. Appears Micha and his wife. Seeing Yenik, he recognizes in him his eldest son, who has long since left his parents’ house. Now, according to the condition, Yenik should marry Mazhenka, besides, he also has money for the wedding. Peasants laugh at the duped matchmaker and happily congratulate the happy young.
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