My Country

In the history of Czech music there is hardly a more iconic work than Bedřich Smetana’s set of symphonic poems My Country. After all, it is an exceptional opus not only in the Czech context. Reactions from abroad often suggest that it is something for which the Czechs and their classical music tradition are to be envied. This extraordinary, mature and imaginative composition is first and foremost a celebration of the composer’s homeland, but it can equally well be seen as a demonstration of Smetana’s mastery.

My Country is undoubtedly one of his masterpieces, and it is an unprecedented achievement of his symphonic oeuvre. Complexity, such as the admirable ability to build elaborate counterpoint, is blended in My Country with spontaneous enchanting melodies and inspiration by Czech folklore.

In addition, Smetana presents here his conception of the symphonic poem. Although this genre enjoyed great popularity, few have been able to combine an extra-musical program with such a serious and distinctive musical content as Smetana. He wrote his set of six symphonic poems in a time of hardship (he began losing his hearing), but he managed to imprint his pride, love and admiration for his country, as well as courage and bravery into the work.

My Country became a reflection of the efforts for Czech national emancipation in the 19th century, and is one of the reasons why Smetana is considered a founding figure of the Czech musical tradition. Originally, it was not Smetana’s intention to perform the individual symphonic poems as a single work. Even today this is not the rule, and so the performance of the complete set is an exceptional and festive affair.

Do not miss its performance under the direction of our Chief Conductor Emmanuel Villaume!