Dvorák: Rusalka [Box set, Import]

Gabriela Benacková-Capova (Artist), Wieslaw Ochman (Artist), Richard Novák (Artist), Jirina Markova (Artist), Jana Jonasova (Artist), Anna Barova (Artist), Vera Soukupova (Artist), Antonin Dvorak (Composer), Vaclav Neumann (Conductor), Czech Philharmonic Chorus and Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Czech Philharmonic Chorus and Orchestra
• Conductor: Vaclav Neumann
• Composer: Antonin Dvorak
• Audio CD (November 1, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 3
• Format: Box set, Import
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Supraphon
• ASIN: B00000DFNC
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #115,681 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Rusalka, opera, B. 203 (Op. 114): Overture

2. Rusalka, opera, B. 203 (Op. 114): Act 1: 'Ho, ho, ho!'

3. Rusalka, opera, B. 203 (Op. 114): Act 1: 'Watersprite, my father dear'

4. Rusalka, opera, B. 203 (Op. 114): Act 1: 'He comes here frequently'

5. Rusalka, opera, B. 203 (Op. 114): Act 1: 'O, moon high up in the deep, deep sky'

6. Rusalka, opera, B. 203 (Op. 114): Act 1: 'Your ancient wisdom knows everything'

See all 10 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Rusalka, opera, B. 203 (Op. 114): Act 2: 'Well then, well then'

2. Rusalka, opera, B. 203 (Op. 114): Act 2: 'A week now do you dwell with me'

3. Rusalka, opera, B. 203 (Op. 114): Act 2: Festival music. Ballet

4. Rusalka, opera, B. 203 (Op. 114): Act 2: 'No one this world can give you'

5. Rusalka, opera, B. 203 (Op. 114): Act 2: 'White blossoms all along the road'

6. Rusalka, opera, B. 203 (Op. 114): Act 2: 'Rusalka, daughter, I am here'

See all 8 tracks on this disc

Disc: 3

1. Rusalka, opera, B. 203 (Op. 114): Act 3: 'Insensible water power'

2. Rusalka, opera, B. 203 (Op. 114): Act 3: 'Ah, ah! Already you have come back?'

3. Rusalka, opera, B. 203 (Op. 114): Act 3: 'Only human blood can cleanse you'

4. Rusalka, opera, B. 203 (Op. 114): Act 3: 'I'll rather suffer'

5. Rusalka, opera, B. 203 (Op. 114): Act 3: 'Uprooted and banished'

6. Rusalka, opera, B. 203 (Op. 114): Act 3: 'That you're afraid? Don't be silly'

See all 10 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Operatic Masterpiece - Czech!, June 24, 2001

By 

Ralph O. Padgug (Sacramento, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dvorák: Rusalka (Audio CD)

Have you ever heard an aria you loved, and bought the complete opera only to be disappointed? Don't worry; that won't be the case with "Rusalka." It's full of wonderful melodies, bouncy Slavonic rhythms & gorgeous orchestration, plus a beautiful, magical story and unique characters. This recording has many superb performers, with only a few weak links. The Czech Philharmonic & Chorus led by Vaclav Neumann are very fine. The two star singers are Gabriela Benackova (exquisite voice!) in the title role and Richard Novak as her Water-sprite father. Both are perfectly cast and convey a huge range & depth of emotion. Tenor Wieslaw Ochman has a pleasant voice, but sadly lacks the power and heroic ring of a Prince. Vera Soukupova as Jezibaba has the opposite problem; she makes a very convincing witch, but her steely Slavic timbre eventually gets too abrasive. The rest of the cast, especially the villainous Foreign Princess, handle their roles very well. The digital recorded sound is clear and atmospheric. Be advised -- the dynamic range is huge -- if you adjust your volume to the soft opening of the prelude, the fortissimo climax may raise your roof a little. One more interesting aspect of this opera: Dvorak was a great admirer of Wagner and his "leit-motives." "Rusalka" has its own underlying system of subtle musical themes that bring out shades of meaning and characterization. But the music itself is 100% full-blooded Dvorak.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb Rusalka, May 22, 2001

By 

Eric Dikkers (Netherlands) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dvorák: Rusalka (Audio CD)

This was the first Rusalka I ever listened to and it still remains my favorite, despite more recent recordings. Gabriela Benackova as Rusalka is in splendid voice here and Vera Soukupova sounds delightfully Slavonic as Jezibaba, the Witch. This set is not expensive but would, even at full price, be worth every single penny. A full five star recommendation!