Vltava

From Wind Repertory Project
Bedřich Smetana

Bedřich Smetana (arr. Daisuke Ehara)


General Info

Year: 1874 / 2014
Duration: c. 6:40
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Orchestra
Publisher: Brain Music
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $70.00


Instrumentation (Flexible)

Full Score
Part 1

  • Piccolo/Flute
  • E-flat Clarinet
  • B-flat Clarinet

Part 2

  • Oboe
  • B-flat Clarinet – B-flat Soprano Saxophone
  • B-flat Trumpet
  • E-flat Alto Saxophone

Part 3

  • B-flat Clarinet – B-flat Trumpet
  • E-flat Alto Saxophone
  • B-flat Tenor Saxophone

Part 4

  • E-flat Alto Saxophone
  • B-flat Tenor Saxophone
  • Horn in F
  • C Trombone - C Euphonium

Part 5

  • E-flat Alto Clarinet
  • B-flat Tenor Saxophone
  • C Trombone - C Euphonium – Bassoon

Part 6

  • B-flat Bass Clarinet
  • E-flat Baritone Saxophone
  • C Tuba
  • String Bass

Part 7

  • 1st Percussion: Timpani

Part 8

  • 2nd Percussion: Triangle - Bass Drum - Suspended Cymbal


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

By age 50, Smetana had begun to go deaf. Although he could no longer perform music, he could still write it. He immediately plunged into composing the first two movements of Má Vlast (My Country). As he noted in his diary, the second movement, Vltava (“The Moldau”), occupied him from November 20 through December 8, a span of nineteen days. The composition describes the course of the Vltava, starting from the two small springs, the Cold and Warm Vltava, to the unification of both streams into a single current, the course of the Vltava through woods and meadows, through landscapes where a farmer’s wedding is celebrated, the round dance of the mermaids in the night’s moonshine, and, on the nearby rocks, proud castles, palaces, and ruins loom aloft. The Vltava swirls into the St. John’s Rapids. Then it widens and flows toward Prague, past the Vyšehrad, and then majestically vanishes into the distance, ending at the Labe (or Elbe, in German).

- Program Note from Baylor University Symphonic Band concert program, 19 November 2018


Vltava (also known as Die Moldau) by Smetana is the second symphonic poem from his symphonic cycle Má Vlast (My Country). It is perhaps his most famous work. The grand melody portrays the swirling Moldau river emerging from its verdant source, traversing Czech’s rich history.

While the original score has strings depicting a beautiful and pastoral atmosphere, this flexible arrangement is for eight-part wind and percussion ensemble, accessible for up to 31 players, which can be adjusted to suit given instrumentation. It is my sincere desire that this gorgeous piece of music will be used for a variety of settings and occasions.

- Program Note by Daisuke Ehara


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Baylor University (Waco, Texas) Symphonic Band (Steve Dailey, conductor) – 19 November 2018


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music

  • Vltava (Flex instrumentation) (arr. Ehara) (1874/2014)


All Wind Works


Resources