- Jiranek, Jaroslav. Smetanova operni tvorba.Prague: Supraphon, 1984–1989.
ML410 .S63 J57. 6v.
Readers of Czech will find this monumental compilation informative. It
includes a full account of each opera (genesis, libretto, production, and recep-
tion), with detailed technical analysis. Bibliographies, name indexes.
Individual Works
The Bartered Bride (Prodaná nevesta)
- Abraham, Gerald. “The Genesis of The Bartered Bride.” M&L 28 (1947):
36–49.
Genesis, revisions, sketches, reception, and technical observations. Special
attention given to the sextet. - Prazák, Premysl. Smetanova “Prodaná nevesta”: Vznik a osudy díla.Prague:
Lidová Demokracie, 1962. 329p. MT100 .S53 P9.
A study of the genesis and libretto, with useful list of performances by country.
No musical examples, no index.
Dalibor
- Clapham, John. “Smetana’s Sketches for Daliborand The Secret.” M&L 61
(1980): 136–146.
Describes sketchbook material and variants that the composer introduced over
time. His sketching method changed between the two operas, from fuller to
less complete ideas written down.
The Secret (Tajemství)
See #1675.
Ethel Smyth (1858–1944)
- Abromeit, Kathleen A. “Ethel Smyth, The Wreckers, and Sir Thomas
Beecham.” MQ73 (1989): 196–211.
Background on Smyth and her picturesque efforts to get her opera produced.
This finally happened in Leipzig (in German translation) in 1906 and was well
received. After another performance, in Prague, Thomas Beecham finally
agreed to conduct it at Covent Garden, but Smyth said, “He wrecked it.”
Harry T. Somers (1925–).
- Cherney, Brian. Harry Somers. Canadian Composers, 1. Toronto: U. of
Toronto Press, 1975. xii, 185p. ISBN 0-8020-5325-4. ML410 .S6864 C5.
Somers’s “most important achievement” is the opera Louis Riel. It receives a
10-page discussion here: genesis, reception, technical notes. Worklist, bibliog-
raphy, index.
John Philip Sousa (1854–1932)
El capitanis in 19CAMT,v.14.
318 Opera