Composer

:

Bohuslav Martinu

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

Oct 5, 1956 - Oct 14, 1956

Publication Date

:

1960

First Performance

:

May 28, 1957

Average_duration

:

19:55

Bohuslav Martinu's "Legenda z dýmu bramborové" (Legend of the Smoke from Potato Fires) is a symphonic poem that was composed in 1958. It was premiered on January 22, 1959, in Basel, Switzerland, by the Basel Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Paul Sacher. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which represents a different aspect of the Czech countryside. The first movement, "The Fields," is characterized by a lively and energetic melody that evokes the image of farmers working in the fields. The second movement, "The Village," is more subdued and features a haunting melody that suggests the quiet and peaceful life of a small village. The final movement, "The Feast," is the most lively and celebratory of the three, with a fast-paced and joyful melody that suggests a festive gathering. One of the most notable characteristics of "Legenda z dýmu bramborové" is its use of folk melodies and rhythms. Martinu was deeply influenced by the music of his native Czech Republic, and this piece is a testament to his love for the country's traditional music. The use of folk melodies and rhythms gives the piece a distinctly Czech flavor and helps to evoke the image of the countryside and its people. Another characteristic of the piece is its use of orchestration. Martinu was a master of orchestration, and "Legenda z dýmu bramborové" is a prime example of his skill. The piece features a wide range of instruments, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion, and Martinu uses them to create a rich and varied sound that perfectly captures the mood and atmosphere of the Czech countryside. Overall, "Legenda z dýmu bramborové" is a beautiful and evocative piece of music that showcases Martinu's love for his homeland and his skill as a composer. Its use of folk melodies and rhythms, combined with its masterful orchestration, make it a true masterpiece of Czech music.

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