Born:
March 2, 1824
Birthplace:
Leitomischl, Bohemia, Austrian Empire which is now Litomyšl, Czech Republic
Died:
May 12, 1884 in Prague
Also Known As:
Bohemian nationalist composer, he founded the Czech national school of music
Type of Compositions:
Smetana was a composer of
operas and symphonic poems.
Influence:
His father was an amateur violinist and was the one who introduced Bedrich to music. He would later on study the piano under a professional teacher.
Musical Work:
His first opera was
Branibori v Cechách (The Brandenburgers in Bohemia) followed by
Prodaná nevesta (The Bartered Bride) which helped establish him as a distinguished composer. His six symphonic poems titled collectively as
Má vlast (My Country) was written between 1874 to 1879, by that time Smetana was already totally deaf. His string quartet,
Z mého zivota (From My Life), is likewsie notable.
Interesting Fact:
In his earlier career, he became music teacher to the family of Leopold, Count von Thun. He was also friends with
Franz Liszt. Before he died, he suffered from mental problems and entered an asylum where he died.
Music Sheet/Midi Sample:
Mà Vlast
