Gabriela Benacková
Encyclopedia
Gabriela Beňačková is a Slovak
soprano
.
She specializes in the music of her compatriots, particularly Eugen Suchoň
, as well as Czech composers, notably Bedřich Smetana
and Leoš Janáček
. She is considered to be one of the greatest 'Jenufa's' in Janáček's opera of the same name. Her Carnegie Hall performance (and subsequent Metropolitan Opera run with Leonie Rysanek) is considered to be legendary.
In 1981 Czech television starred Mrs Benackova in a definitive version of Prodana Nevesta (The Bartered Bride), which has since become a popular DVD recording available in an all-regions format(2006). That recording teamed her with the heroic tenor (fellow Slovak) Peter Dvorsky, and with bass Richard Novak and other popular singers. She completed her farewell recital tour in 2008.
She has made a number of recordings, and has appeared in several filmed operas on DVD, as well as the feature film The Divine Emma, where she supplied the singing voice of the famous Czech soprano Emmy Destinn
. Her voice can be heard in the movie Driving Miss Daisy singing title role "Rusalka" by Dvorak.
She has appeared as Fidelio/Leonore in the Royal Opera House production of Fidelio (1991).
She has made a beautiful recording in the title role "Rusalka" by Dvorak. The conductor was Vaclav Neumann.
Slovaks
The Slovaks, Slovak people, or Slovakians are a West Slavic people that primarily inhabit Slovakia and speak the Slovak language, which is closely related to the Czech language.Most Slovaks today live within the borders of the independent Slovakia...
soprano
Soprano
A soprano is a voice type with a vocal range from approximately middle C to "high A" in choral music, or to "soprano C" or higher in operatic music. In four-part chorale style harmony, the soprano takes the highest part, which usually encompasses the melody...
.
She specializes in the music of her compatriots, particularly Eugen Suchoň
Eugen Suchon
Eugen Suchoň was one of the greatest Slovak composers of the 20th century.-Early life:...
, as well as Czech composers, notably Bedřich Smetana
Bedrich Smetana
Bedřich Smetana was a Czech composer who pioneered the development of a musical style which became closely identified with his country's aspirations to independent statehood. He is thus widely regarded in his homeland as the father of Czech music...
and Leoš Janáček
Leoš Janácek
Leoš Janáček was a Czech composer, musical theorist, folklorist, publicist and teacher. He was inspired by Moravian and all Slavic folk music to create an original, modern musical style. Until 1895 he devoted himself mainly to folkloristic research and his early musical output was influenced by...
. She is considered to be one of the greatest 'Jenufa's' in Janáček's opera of the same name. Her Carnegie Hall performance (and subsequent Metropolitan Opera run with Leonie Rysanek) is considered to be legendary.
In 1981 Czech television starred Mrs Benackova in a definitive version of Prodana Nevesta (The Bartered Bride), which has since become a popular DVD recording available in an all-regions format(2006). That recording teamed her with the heroic tenor (fellow Slovak) Peter Dvorsky, and with bass Richard Novak and other popular singers. She completed her farewell recital tour in 2008.
She has made a number of recordings, and has appeared in several filmed operas on DVD, as well as the feature film The Divine Emma, where she supplied the singing voice of the famous Czech soprano Emmy Destinn
Emmy Destinn
Emmy Destinn was a Czech operatic soprano with a strong and soaring lyric-dramatic voice. She had a career both in Europe and at the New York Metropolitan Opera.- Biography :...
. Her voice can be heard in the movie Driving Miss Daisy singing title role "Rusalka" by Dvorak.
She has appeared as Fidelio/Leonore in the Royal Opera House production of Fidelio (1991).
She has made a beautiful recording in the title role "Rusalka" by Dvorak. The conductor was Vaclav Neumann.
Recordings
- Leoš Janáček: Jenůfa Gabriela Beňačková with Naděžda KniplováNaděžda KniplováNaděžda Kniplová is a Czech operatic soprano who had an active international career from the 1950s through the 1980s. Kniplová possessed a large voice with a sonorous, metallic, dark timbre that was particularly well suited to the dramatic soprano repertoire...
, Vilém PřibylVilém PřibylVilém Přibyl was a Czech operatic tenor. After serving during World War II, he made his professional debut at the age of 34 in Ústí nad Labem, in 1958. Beginning in 1962, he sang at the National Theatre in Brno. He died of a stroke.Přibyl made a number of recordings, among them Osud by Leoš...
, Vladimír Krejčík, Janáček TheatreJanáček TheatreJanáček Theatre is a theatre situated in the city of Brno, Czech Republic. It is a part of the National Theatre in Brno. It was built from 1960 to 1965, and opened in October 1965...
in Brno opera and chorus conducted by František JílekFrantišek JílekFrantišek Jílek was a Czech conductor, known especially for his interpretation of Leoš Janáček's works.- Life :...
(1977–1978) SupraphonSupraphonSupraphon Music Publishing is a Czech record label, it is oriented mainly towards publishing classical music, with an emphasis on Czech and Slovak composers.- History :...
CD SU 3869-2. - Smetana - The Bartered Bride Gabriela Beňačková with Peter DvorskýPeter DvorskýPeter Dvorský is a Slovak operatic tenor. Possessing a lyrical voice with a soft, elastic tone, and warm and melodious timbre, Dvorský's repertoire concentrates on roles from the Italian and Slavic repertories....
, Richard Novák, Miroslav Kopp, Marie Veselá, Czech Philharmonic conducted by Zdeněk KošlerZdenek KošlerZdeněk Košler was a Czech conductor, who played an important role in Czech musical life of the second half of 20th century, notably during the sixties and the eighties. He was particularly well-known as an opera conductor....
, Supraphon DVD