Although the NBC announced that they were mounting a new opera with music by Martinů, they refused to disclose to the press who the author of the libretto was prior to the premiere.

Of the libretto Downes stated, "The book is effective, funny without being cheap, and it preserves a folk quality with whatever modern colloquialisms are woven in.

Downes wrote in his review that "The production was of an excellent quality in the 1840s Russian costumes and scenic designs, and in the admirable level of the singing and English Diction.

Downes further praised Martinů for his successful marriage of the music with the text, stating the work "has droll characterization, adroit instrumental commentary, and certain motival phrases that bind the beginning and the end of the opera amazingly together.

"[1] The Marriage was first performed in a live theatrical production on 31 March 1954, at the Hamburg State Opera, Germany, when it was conducted by Horst Stein.