Biography
- Smetana is called the “father of Czech music” because he wrote music that celebrated the history, legends, and countryside of his homeland.
- Smetana was a child prodigy. He played in a string quartet by the age of 8 and gave a public piano performance when he was only 6 years old.
- Smetana went completely deaf in his 50s, but he kept composing! He wrote a piece called Má vlast (“My Fatherland”), which contains the famous piece “The Moldau,” which musically depicts the river Vltava from its tiny springs all the way to the city of Prague. Tragically, he was never able to hear it played by an orchestra.
Famous Works
Listen to Smetana
These pieces made Bedřich Smetana famous all around the world. Press a Listen button and hear the music for yourself!
The Bartered Bride
Má vlast
Symphony Spotlight
Where can you hear Bedřich Smetana's music?
The Columbus Symphony brings this music to life on stage. Check out these programs, and maybe you can hear it in person!
