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Composer of the Week

Bedrich Smetana (1824-1884)

Episode 1: Triumph and Tragedy

Duration: 1 hour

First broadcast: on BBC Radio 3Latest broadcast: on BBC Radio 3

Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Bedřich Smetana. These days, his reputation outside his homeland is usually overshadowed by those of Dvorak and Janacek, but Smetana is the composer credited with founding a national style of Czech music. He was many things - a Czech nationalist who grew up speaking German, a prolific teacher, composer, conductor, violinist, pianist, husband and father. Donald Macleod discovers how a family tragedy resulted in a highly personal chamber work and a move to Gothenburg. Show less

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