Analysis of The Moldau

Composer: Bedrich Smetana Work Title: The Moldau Date: 1874-1879 Genre: Symphonic Poem For my first selection of music for this final project I chose “The Moldau” by Bedrich Smetana. The reason I chose this piece was first, it is a symphonic poem and second, because it perfectly exemplified the use of nationalist style and word painting. The Moldau is a symphonic poem representing Nationalist pride for Smetana’s country. It is the second of six …

…be seen. It begins as a few streams in the forest flowing into the mighty river, painted with a flute and some clarinets and leading to violins. The journey takes us through a day in the forest where we see hunting, peasants dancing at a wedding, nymphs in the moonlight, the St. John’s Rapids, the Ancient Castle and back to the River theme as the river dies away. It is truly an enchanting piece.