Bedrich Smetana Program Notes and Sheet Music

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Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884): The Father of Czech Music

Bedřich Smetana, born in Litomyšl, Bohemia (now Czech Republic), in 1824, stands as the revered father of Czech national music. At a time when Bohemia was under Austrian Habsburg rule and its cultural identity was striving for recognition, Smetana emerged as the passionate voice that would define his nation's musical soul. His operas and orchestral works, imbued with the spirit of Bohemian folk culture and the majesty of its landscapes, became powerful symbols of Czech pride and independence.

Smetana displayed musical talent from an early age, though his family initially encouraged a more practical profession. He eventually committed to music, studying in Prague and establishing himself as a pianist and teacher. His early career saw him involved in various nationalist causes and educational endeavors, though it was often fraught with financial struggles and the pervasive influence of German musical tradition.

A Musical Voice for a Nation

Smetana's defining mission became the creation of a distinctively Czech musical idiom, separate from the dominant German and Italian styles. He achieved this by:

• Drawing on Folk Elements: Incorporating the rhythms, melodies, and dance forms of Czech folk music into his sophisticated classical structures.

• Programmatic Storytelling: Using orchestral music to depict historical events, legendary heroes, and the breathtaking beauty of the Bohemian landscape.

• Operatic Realism and Humor: Crafting operas that resonated deeply with Czech audiences through their relatable characters, vibrant humor, and national themes.

His most celebrated work is the cycle of six symphonic poems titled Má vlast (My Homeland), composed between 1874 and 1879. The second and most famous of these, "Vltava" (often known as "The Moldau"), takes listeners on a vivid journey along Bohemia's great river, from its humble springs to its majestic flow through Prague, depicting hunting scenes, village weddings, and ancient castles along the way. It is a masterpiece of orchestral tone painting and a powerful symbol of Czech identity.

Smetana's most beloved opera is the charming and effervescent The Bartered Bride (1866). A quintessential Czech comic opera, it is filled with captivating folk-inspired dances, delightful choruses, and genuinely humorous characters, telling a heartwarming tale of love, cleverness, and community spirit.

Triumph and Tragedy

Smetana's life was also marked by profound personal tragedy. He endured the heartbreaking loss of four of his children in quick succession, a sorrow that deeply affected him. Later in life, in 1874, he suffered the devastating onset of complete deafness, a cruel blow for a musician. Despite this profound challenge, his artistic spirit remained undimmed. Astonishingly, he composed some of his greatest works, including the entirety of Má vlast, after losing his hearing. He famously described the experience of composing in silence, hearing the music in his inner ear.

One touching anecdote reveals his determination: in a letter to a friend after becoming deaf, he wrote, "If I am to be put in an asylum for the deaf, I will dedicate myself to writing an opera about the history of the Czech nation. The music will reflect their struggles and triumphs." While this opera never materialized, his resolve shines through.

Bedřich Smetana died in Prague in 1884. He left an indelible mark on Czech culture, becoming a national hero whose music continues to express the very soul of his homeland. His blend of Romantic idealism with deeply rooted national character ensures his enduring legacy as a pioneer and a master.