What does The Moldau symbolize?

Vltava, better known by its German name, Die Moldau (or The Moldau), is a symphonic poem that is patriotic in every sense of the word. It is one of six movements of a larger work called Má vlast which means “My Homeland” or “My Country”.

What does Smetana’s The Moldau represent?

Smetana prefaced the musical score with the following descriptive notes: “The Moldau” represents an exceptional expression of patriotic or nationalistic music. The musical poem reflects the pride, oppression, and hope of the Bohemian people.”

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 is the story of The Moldau?

A devoutly patriotic work, The Moldau captures in music Smetana’s love of his homeland. Completed in 1874 and first performed the following year, the piece constitutes the second movement of a six-movement suite, Má vlast (My Country), which premiered in its entirety in Prague on November 5, 1882.

How does The Moldau end?

The Moldau swirls through the St. John Rapids and flows in a broad stream toward Prague. It passes Vysehrad (where an ancient royal castle once stood), and finally the river disappears in the distance as it flows majestically into the Elbe.”

What was The Moldau inspired by?

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. The work is named after an actual river that runs from a mountainside, through the Czech countryside, and into the city of Prague.

Who was Smetana inspired by?

Franz Liszt
He early took up piano under a professional teacher and performed in public at the age of six. He continued his studies and later became music teacher to the family of Leopold, Count von Thun. Encouraged by Franz Liszt he opened a piano school in Prague in 1848 and the next year married the pianist Kateřina Kolářová.

How is The Moldau romantic?

Romantic Period – The Moldau demonstrates Smetana’s own personal feelings about his homeland of today’s Czechoslovakia. He is able to express his patriotism and romanticism through his combinations of diverse instruments, musical contrasts, and touch of folk tunes.

What era is Smetana?

Bedřich Smetana was Born in Litomyšl, Bohemia (now the Czech Republic). He is one of the first of the great 19th-century “nationalist” composers; Smetana gave his beloved Bohemia a central role in his two most famous works, the orchestral suite Má Vlast and the opera The Bartered Bride.

What happened Smetana?

Those compositions, augmented by the more mature piano pieces of his difficult last years, constitute an important body of piano literature. Following attacks of depression and symptoms of mental instability, Smetana entered an asylum at Prague and died there.