Music Appreciation 3e Kamien
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Bedrich Smetana (1824-1884)

The Moldau (1874)

Instrumentation: piccolo, flutes (2), oboes (2), clarinets (2), bassoons (2), French horns (4), trumpets (2), trombones (3), tuba, timpani, bass drum, triangle, cymbals, harp, strings

CD 2, Tracks 56-62, Duration 11:59

The Moldau is a musical portrayal of the main river (Moldau is German for Vltava) which runs through the countryside of Bohemia (present day Czechoslovakia). The composer wrote the work following a trip he took down the river as part of a larger cycle of six symphonic poems written between 1874 and 1879 entitled Má Vlast (My Country). Note that each section of the work has its own descriptive title.

56) Two Springs.
Flutes begin with a flowing melodic passage soon joined by the clarinets. The harp and strings (pizzicato) are heard periodically

:57 Lower strings, running notes lead to

57) The River.
Violins present the river theme in a minor key (e minor). Running-note accompaniment in strings.

:14 River theme repeated.
:27 Melodic answer to the river theme.
:40 The river theme is expanded (note the triangle).
:54 Return of the river theme.
1:07 Answer to river theme.
1:19 Expansion of river theme.
1:34 Return of the river theme.

58) Forest Hunt.
French horns and trumpets, hunting calls.
:51 Transition to next section (strings).

59) Peasant Wedding.
Strings present a dance-like tune (polka).

60) Moonlight: Dance of Water Nymphs.
Woodwinds, sustained tones.
:19 Flute passage (similar to opening of work).
:26 Muted violins in high register with a legato melody.
2:31 Intensification.
2:55 Violins present the river theme.
3:34 River theme reappears.

61) The Rapids.
Full orchestra, ff. Brasses, timpani roll, piccolo, cymbal crashes.

62) The River at its Widest Point.
Full orchestra, river theme in major key. Faster tempo.
:29 The brasses and woodwinds portray Vysehrad, the ancient castle in a hymn-like melody.

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