Bedrich Smetana Flashcards
Where is Smetana most famous, and why?
most famous in the Czech Republic due to his nationalism for Bohemia was par tof the Austro Hungarian empire.
True or false: Smetana dedicated his “Six Characteristic Pieces” Op. 1 to Schumann, who arranged for their publication
False- they were dedicated to Liszt for that reason
What did Smetana do during his five years in Sweden?
he concertized, directed a choral society, and opened a vocal academy
What sparked Smetana’s interest in program music?
his admiration of Liszt’s symphonic poems
How was nationalism reflected in Smetana’s work? Give one example.
Nationalism was reflected in Smetana’s choice of subject matter for his orchesral music and operas (such as The Brandenburgers in Bohemia, which is based on a historical subject). He also quoted folk songs.
True or False: Most of Smetana’s melodies were directly based on folk songs.
False. He quoted folk songs occasionally, but most often wrote original melodies that resembled folk songs, as in his successful opera “The Bartered Bride”.
Give an example of how Smetana used cyclical unity
In Ma Vlast themes from an earlier symphonic poem are recalled in a later one
Which most accurately describes Smetana’s style of writing melodies?
a) balanced, symmetrical phrases
b) broad, sweeping melodies
c) virtuosic, thunderous passagework
d) highly emotional, personal and experimental
B
Describe Smetana’s harmonic language
chromaticism, frequent use of modal harmony
Name three operas by Smetanaf
The Bartered Bride, The Kiss, Dalibor
what kind of solo piano music did Smetana write?
dances (many polkas), and character piece sets
True or False: Along with operas, Smetana also wrote art songs and choral works
True
What years did Bedrich Smetana live?
1824-1884
