Classical Music | Piano Music

Bedřich Smetana

Three Czech Dances  Play

Martin Kasik Piano

Recorded on 03/27/2013, uploaded on 09/12/2013

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Bedřich Smetana wrote a series of 10 Czech dances in 1879 that were inspired by those written by Antonín Dvořák but with the intention to be more specifically Czech.

Furiant (Peasant Dance). The Furiant is one of the most famous Czech dances, an exciting, stamping dance beloved by Smetana and Dvorak alike. This one is a riot of sound, presented with Lisztian grandeur.

Hulan (Lancer). Despite the name, the piece is a tender women's dance, depicting a girl longing for her soldier lover. This is one of the most popular of the whole cycle.

Medved (Bear Dance). This is one of the most remarkable from the set, with heavy sound, changing meters and a remarkable middle section where a wonderful Slavic melody is accompanied by an imitation of Czech bagpipes. .       Martin Kasík