In the accompanying textbook, I read that Eva Urbanová was coached by Renata Scotto, and this can clearly be heard. Her text handling and deep empathy are truly phenomenal and indicate a singing actress of great stature. The choice of her roles may also point to this, although I had to frown a little when I read, that at the Metropolitan Opera she sang Ortrud (Lohengrin) and Tosca at the same time.

That this is not exactly healthy for the voice you can hear in the opening aria from Smetana’s Libuše , a real tour de force alla Turandot, in which she sounds a little shrill. However, as the recital progresses (everything was recorded live during a concert in Prague), her voice becomes calmer and more balanced, culminating in the monologue of Kostelnicka (Jenufa).

That she also possesses another, more lyrical, side can be heard in a beautiful duet from Smetana’s Dalibor. By the way: this music is so very beautiful!

The choice of sung fragments is rock solid: most of the operas they come from are virtually unknown outside Urbanová’s homeland. She is assisted by a host of Czech singers who unfortunately are not able to reach her level. But that is not really a big deal. This CD is definitely worth your while; because of the superb music and because of this exceptionally interesting singer.