Composer

:

Bedrich Smetana

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1862 - 1863

Publication Date

:

1899

First Performance

:

Jan 5, 1866

Average_duration

:

148:56

Movement_count

:

20

Movement ....

Branibori v Cecháach, also known as The Brandenburgers in Bohemia, is an opera composed by Bedrich Smetana. The opera was composed between 1863 and 1864 and premiered on January 5, 1866, at the Provisional Theatre in Prague. The plot of the opera is set in the 17th century during the Thirty Years' War. The Brandenburgers, a group of German mercenaries, are hired by the Bohemians to fight against the Swedes. However, the Brandenburgers soon turn against the Bohemians and begin to pillage and plunder the countryside. The Bohemians, led by Jiri, a local farmer, and his daughter, Julie, rise up against the Brandenburgers and eventually defeat them. The opera is divided into three movements. The first movement introduces the characters and sets the scene for the conflict between the Brandenburgers and the Bohemians. The second movement focuses on the battle between the two groups, with the Brandenburgers initially gaining the upper hand. The final movement sees the Bohemians regroup and ultimately triumph over the Brandenburgers. One of the characteristics of the opera is its use of folk melodies and dances, which were a hallmark of Smetana's style. The opera also features a large chorus, which is used to great effect in the battle scenes. The music is dramatic and emotional, with Smetana using the orchestra to create a sense of tension and conflict. Overall, Branibori v Cecháach is a powerful and engaging opera that showcases Smetana's skill as a composer. Its themes of war, betrayal, and redemption are timeless and continue to resonate with audiences today.

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