This new recording of Smetana's great comedy is arguably the finest achievement to date in Chandos's Opera in English series. Mackerras brings a lifetime's understanding of Czech music to bear on the score, exposing the sadness and cruelty lurking beneath its surface without ever losing sight of its humour. It's wonderfully sung, too. Susan Gritton is the rebellious Marekna drawn to - and troubled by - Paul Charles Clarke's sexy, dangerous Jenik. It all adds up to an experience of Mozartian profundity which will sweep away any notion that The Bartered Bride is simply a piece of bucolic whimsy. Highly recommended.