Rusalka is an opera by Antonín Dvořák. The Czech libretto was written by the poet Jaroslav Kvapil based on the fairy tales of Karel Jaromír Erben. A rusalka is a water sprite from Slavic mythology, usually inhabiting a lake or river. Rusalka is one of the most successful Czech operas, and represents a cornerstone of the repertoire of Czech opera houses. The plot contains elements which also appear in The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen

The most popular excerpt from Rusalka is the "Song to the Moon" from act 1, which is often performed in concert and recorded separately.

Rusalka was first performed in Prague on March 31, 1901. It became an enormous success in Czech lands, and soon gained success also abroad.

CAST:

Rusalka - Renee Fleming

The Prince - Ben Heppner

The Water Goblin - Franz Hawlata

The Witch - Dolora Zajick

Czech Philharmonic

Sir Charles Mackerras

DECCA 1998