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Bedrich Smetana: Overture to the Bartered Bride |
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Bedrich Smetana (1824-1884) In 1874 after a trip to Italy Smetana composed a cycle of symphonic poems under the general title of Má Vlast (My Country) which, although they are all founded on national subjects, have served to carry his fame afield than any other examples of his art, always excepting the popular overture to The Bartered Bride. Of the eight operas, the second, The Bartered Bride was, and continues to be, his most popular opera.
With its opening Rossini on steroids theme followed by a super-charged allegro played by the strings, the composer has succeeded in capturing our undivided attention. A short fugal motive appears among several members of the string section. The orchestra sound increases which results in a longer, more climatic theme which reappears several times. There are also a few quiet moments where instruments such as the oboe solos; but overall, the content of the Overture is one of charged and relentless energy. Written by Bruce Allen Hardy |
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SYMPHONY NOTES |
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SYMPHONY SPONSORS |
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INFORMATIONAL |
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Did You Know...
...the average patron of the cultural arts spends an average of $22 above the price of admission? This translates to $20,000 in revenue for every sold-out Masterpiece Series show.
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