The Bartered Bride language newspaper "Národní listy". Smetana's diary for December 1864 records that he was continuing to work on "The Bartered Bride"; the piano score was completed by October 1865. It was then put aside so that the composer could concentrate on his third opera "Dalibor". Smetana evidently did not begin the orchestral scoring of "The Bartered Bride" until, following the successful performance of "The Brandenburgers" in January 1866, the management of the Provisional Theatre decided to stage the new opera during the following summer. The scoring was completed rapidly, between 20 February and 16 March. A crowd of villagers is celebrating
The Bartered Bride parents – Mícha and Háta – arrive, with Kecal. Vašek tells them that he no longer wants to marry Mařenka, having learned her true nature from a beautiful, strange girl. They are horrified ("He does not want her – what has happened?"). Vašek runs off, and moments later Mařenka arrives with her parents. She has just learned of Jeník's deal with Kecal, and a lively ensemble ("No, no, I don't believe it") ensues. Matters are further complicated when Vašek returns, recognises Mařenka as his "strange girl", and says that he will happily marry her. In the sextet which follows ("Make