description Má vlast Overview
*Má vlast* (My Homeland) is a cycle of six symphonic poems composed by Czech composer Bedřich Smetana between 1874 and 1879. The individual pieces—*Vyšehrad*, *Vltava*, *Šárka*, *Z českých luhů a hájů*, *Tábor*, and *Blaník*—depict the landscapes, history, and folklore of Bohemia. The second piece, *Vltava*, musically traces the course of the river that runs through Prague. The complete cycle is widely recognized as a foundational work of 19th-century Czech national music.
insights Ranking position
Má vlast ranks #105 of 846 in the Classical Composition ranking, behind Gustav Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde, ahead of Ludwig van Beethoven: Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61.
help Má vlast FAQ
Which movement of Smetana's Má vlast depicts a river?
The second symphonic poem in the cycle, *Vltava*, musically represents the journey of the Vltava River through the Bohemian countryside. It is widely known by its German name, *Die Moldau*, and is Smetana's most famous composition.
When did Bedřich Smetana write Má vlast?
Smetana composed this cycle of six symphonic poems between 1874 and 1879. He began writing the first piece, *Vyšehrad*, right around the time he tragically lost his hearing completely in 1874.
What historical Czech landmarks are depicted in Má vlast?
The cycle depicts various landscapes, history, and folklore of Bohemia, including the Vyšehrad castle overlooking Prague. The final two poems, *Tábor* and *Blaník*, are also dedicated to Czech Hussite history and local legends.
How often is Má vlast performed at the Prague Spring Festival?
It is an annual tradition for the Prague Spring International Music Festival to open with a complete performance of *Má vlast*. This tradition honors Smetana's status as the founding father of Czech national music.
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