Vlatva

Question 1

Composer

Answer 1

Bedrich Smetana

Question 2

context of work

Answer 2

Second in a set of 6 tone poems called “Ma Vlast” (my country)

Question 3

english translation of title

Answer 3

“Moldau” referring to the Moldau river.

Question 4

What was this work inspired by? How will it share that inspiration with us?

Answer 4

takes us on a musical journey that follows the course of the Moldau river in Bohemia. Specific scenes along the river are cleverly depicted through the music.

Question 5

Genre

Answer 5

symphonic poem (tone poem)

Question 6

date of composition

Answer 6

1874

Question 7

Describe the program in as much detail as possible.

Answer 7

It begins with a description of the birth of the river formed by two springs, one warm, the other cold, which merge together. As the river journeys through the Bohemian forest, it encounters a hunt, a wedding feast, a nocturnal scene of nymphs reveling in the moonlight, and reflections of fortresses and castles that hint at past glory and splendor. Finally, the turbulent St John Rapids lead to the historic Vysehrad cstle before the river vanishes in the distance.

Question 8

key

Answer 8

E minor

Question 9

tempo

Answer 9

allegro commodo non agitato

Question 10

time signature

Answer 10

6/8

Question 11

Was the program published in the score? Why or why not?

Answer 11

Smetana published the program in his score to clarify the imagery for the listener.

Question 12

What type of nationalistic elements can be found in this work?

Answer 12

Inspiration was drawn from the Bohemian scenery, specific monuments (Vysehrad Castle), specific landmarks (the Moldau river), and folk inspired melodies/ national dances (the polka).