Zdenka Hrnčířová (1913-1984) was a reiging dramatic soprano at the Prague National Theater during the 1940's and 50's. She was overshadowed by her more popular rival, Marie Padvalová, but I vastly preferred Hrnčířová for her intensity, laser-like yet deep-seated voice and the sheer excitement she brought to all her stage creations.
The aria proper starts at 2:11, but I included her dialogue with the jailor before and after not only to hear it in context, but also to hear Haken's wonderful singing.
"Dolů sedmdesát schodů - Jak je mi" Duet and aria from Act II of Dalibor by Bedřich Smetana.
Milada: Zdenka Hrnčířová
Beneš the Jailor (Žalářník): Eduard Haken
Jaroslav Krombholc, c.
1946
Czech Opera Singers
![](https://s2.save4k.ru/pic/oI2GFHYv34g/maxresdefault.jpg)