BARTERED B

RIDE, THE. Composer: BEDRICH SMETANA Book by KAREET SABINA First performance: National Theatre, Prague, May 30, 1866 3 acts. Hans, recently arrived in the Bohemian village, is in love with Marie whose wealthy parents want her to marry a half-idiot, Wenzel, son of another wealthy family. Marie returns Hans’ love but it is impo ible to get her parents’ consent. Marie absolutely refuses to marry Wenzel and finally a marriage broker is called in. Kezal, the broker, does what he can to persuade Hans to retire, even offering him money. At this point Hans agrees to three hundred crowns if the words ‘‘ Marie shall marry only Micha’s son” are in the contract. Kezal is delighted, and Marie is unhappy because Hans appears to have sold her out. But it develops that Hans is a son by Micha’s earlier marriage. Marie and he can be married and can also keep the three hundred crowns as a wedding present.: