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The operatic works of the czech composer Bedřich Smetana (1824–1884), in particular his second opera Prodaná nevĕsta (The Bartered Bride) are of great importance not only for the Czech musical tradition, but also for the Czech national consciousness. Prodaná nevĕsta has served as a model for all subsequent Czech operas and its stylization as a nation´s manifesto has already started during the composer´s lifetime. With this in mind, the authors of this publication have tried to examine its transnational effects and reception: What did The Bartered Bride mean to Vienna, and, beyond, to the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy in general? In brief, this opera was performed in Vienna (still in Czech) for the first time in the German-speaking area in 1892; one year later the first performance in German was staged in the same city. And finally the staging in 1896 by the Vienna Court Opera House was the beginning of the The Bartered Bride´s world wide success. Nevertheless The Bartered Bride was well understood as a national opera in an age of nationalist struggles between Vienna and Prague, but at the same time it was acknowledged as an opportunity for transnational understanding. This becomes evident through the files of the Vienna Court Opera, as well the reviews in the daily papers and musical journals, both presented here for the first time. Furthermore the results of the musical and theatrical research of the Czech scientific community are presented for the first time outside its country of origin. A detailed apparatus and precise biographies of the leading persons conclude the book.