The Bartered Bride Overture is the energetic opening to Bedřich Smetana’s 1866 comic opera The Bartered Bride. Known for its rapid tempo, rhythmic precision, and lively character, the overture has become a concert favorite and a staple of the orchestral repertoire.

Smetana, often regarded as the father of Czech national music, composed this opera to reflect the rural traditions and spirited folk culture of his homeland. The overture sets the tone with brisk string passages, sharp brass interjections, and tightly woven motifs that build excitement without relying on themes from the rest of the opera.

Though originally part of a staged work, the overture has long stood on its own in concert programs due to its clarity, charm, and technical brilliance. It remains one of the most frequently performed examples of Czech orchestral writing.