skip navigation | text only | accessibility | site map
Share

Bedrich Smetana

Born in Litomysl, Czechoslovakia, in 1824, Bedrich Smetana is considered the founder of Czech nationalist music. He was a gifted child prodigy; playing in a string quartet at the age of five, and playing the piano for the Emperor of Austria a year later. He moved to Prague in 1843 to continue his studies and made a meager living teaching. In 1848, he started his own music school, which failed, as well as an attempt to begin a concert career. He finally found some measure of success when he took a job teaching piano in Göteborg, Sweden, in 1856.

Video and Audio

Understanding Smetana - Three Dances from The Bartered Bride Kennedy Center Understanding the Music: Smetana - Three Dances from The Bartered Bride
Understanding the Music: Smetana - Three Dances from The Bartered Bride


Video Listen to SMETANA's The Moldau from Ma vlast
Listen to SMETANA's The Moldau from Ma vlast

Requires Real Player