Why did Smetana write The Moldau?
”The Moldau” is a movement found within the piece. In ”Má vlast,” Smetana wanted to celebrate his Czech homeland by composing music that depicted the legends, stories, and landscapes of Bohemia.
What type of composition is Smetana Die Moldau?
symphonic poem
The Moldau , Czech Vltava, symphonic poem by Bohemian composer Bedřich Smetana that evokes the flow of the Vltava River—or, in German, the Moldau—from its source in the mountains of the Bohemian Forest, through the Czech countryside, to the city of Prague.
What does Moldau represent?
“The Moldau” represents an exceptional expression of patriotic or nationalistic music. The musical poem reflects the pride, oppression, and hope of the Bohemian people. Before World War 1 Bohemia, presently the Czech Republic, was ruled by the Austro- Hungarian Empire.
What music inspired The Moldau?
Down by the River: The Moldau Czech composer Bed˘rich Smetana (BED-rick SMET–ah-na) was inspired to write The Moldau by nature, memories of his personal adventures, and a deep love for his country.
What family of instruments is used to depict the peasant wedding in The Moldau?
Piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons. 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba. Timpani, triangle, bass drum, cymbals’
When did Smetana composed The Moldau?
1874
Má vlast was composed over a period five years: Vysehrad and Vltava (Moldau in German) in 1874, Sarka and From Bohemia’s Woods and Fields in 1875, Tábor and Blánik in the winter of 1878/79.
What instrument can you hear at the beginning of The Moldau by Bedrich Smetana?
The piece begins with the flutes playing a flowing tune reminiscent of two rippling springs. Violin pizzicato evokes raindrops.
Is The Moldau nationalism?
Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884) is remembered chiefly as a Czech nationalistic composer. His nationalism expressed itself above all in his operas, but he also wrote symphonic tone poems after the example of Franz Liszt.
How long is The Moldau?
Vltava, also known by its English title The Moldau, and the German Die Moldau, was composed between 20 November and 8 December 1874 and was premiered on 4 April 1875 under Adolf Čech. It is about 13 minutes long, and is in the key of E minor.
What nationality is Smetana?
CzechBedřich Smetana / Nationality
Bedřich Smetana, (born March 2, 1824, Leitomischl, Bohemia, Austrian Empire [now Litomyšl, Czech Republic]—died May 12, 1884, Prague), Bohemian composer of operas and symphonic poems, founder of the Czech national school of music. He was the first truly important Bohemian nationalist composer.
What river is Prague built on?
the Vltava River
Flowing through the centre of the city, the Vltava River is the lifeline of Prague and has given rise to some of the city’s most important historical sights, including Charles Bridge.