Composer

:

Bedrich Smetana

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Tone Poem

Compose Date

:

ca. 1872 - 1879

Publication Date

:

1879 - 1894

Average_duration

:

75:21

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Má Vlast, JB 1:112 is a six-movement symphonic poem composed by Bedrich Smetana between 1874 and 1879. The piece is considered one of the most important works of Czech music and is often regarded as a national symbol of the Czech Republic. The premiere of Má Vlast took place on November 5, 1882, in Prague, conducted by Adolf Cech. The piece was an immediate success and has since become a staple of the orchestral repertoire. The six movements of Má Vlast are: 1. Vysehrad - This movement is named after the castle of Vysehrad, which overlooks the Vltava River in Prague. The music is meant to evoke the history and legends associated with the castle, including the story of the mythical princess Libuse. 2. Vltava - This movement is perhaps the most famous of the six. It is named after the Vltava River, which flows through Prague and is a symbol of Czech identity. The music depicts the river's journey from its source in the Bohemian Forest to its confluence with the Elbe. 3. Šárka - This movement is named after the legendary warrior princess Šárka, who is said to have led a rebellion against men. The music is meant to evoke the drama and violence of the story. 4. From Bohemia's Woods and Fields - This movement is a pastoral interlude, depicting the beauty of the Czech countryside. 5. Tábor - This movement is named after the town of Tábor, which was a center of the Hussite movement in the 15th century. The music is meant to evoke the spirit of the Hussites, who fought for religious freedom and independence. 6. Blaník - This final movement is named after the mountain of Blaník, which is said to be the resting place of the legendary Czech knights. The music is meant to evoke the idea of a future Czech victory, with the knights rising from their slumber to fight for their country. The characteristics of Má Vlast include its use of Czech folk melodies and its evocation of Czech history and legends. Smetana was a pioneer of Czech nationalism in music, and Má Vlast is a prime example of this movement. The piece is also notable for its use of programmatic music, in which the music is meant to tell a story or depict a scene. This was a departure from the more abstract forms of classical music that had been dominant in Europe up to that point. Overall, Má Vlast is a powerful and evocative work that has become a beloved symbol of Czech identity and culture. Its six movements are a testament to Smetana's skill as a composer and his dedication to the idea of Czech nationalism.

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