"Vltava" is a symphonic poem written by Czech composer Smetana (the father of Czech new music). It is known as the second national anthem of the Czech Republic.
Appreciation:
At the beginning of the music, two clear springs gush out from the mountain stream: a cold current and a warm current. The cold current is composed of the timbre of the flute and the upward undulating sound. The pattern is played, and soon the clarinet enters with a warm tone and a downward fluctuating pattern, indicating that the warm currents are coming to merge. At the same time, the crisp waves of the violin and the crystal overtones of the harp shimmered like splashing waves in the sun. The two streams flowed forward happily. Gradually, the water flow became larger and larger, and the water became more and more fierce. Finally, they merged into a tumbling river - the Voltava River.
The theme of the Vltava River is expressed by a broad, rhythmic melody, played by the whole band. This melody is close to Czech folk songs, it is simple, lyrical, and contains the author's passionate love , rolling and galloping forward with an irresistible force.
The river flows through a dense forest. The sound of hunting horns and the thick and dark sound of the band are used here to create the image of the forest, and at the same time to convey people’s association with the dark, vast and mysterious forest. The sound of the horn The theme is played by trumpets and French horns.
In an instant, the sound of the horn disappeared in the din of the Vltava River. A rural folk scene appeared, which was the sound of the Czech folk dance polka, representing a lively and festive rural wedding.
The music gradually faded away, and the quiet night fell. A group of beautiful water nymphs danced on the water under the moonlight. In the music, the flute and clarinet play ups and downs of sound patterns, the harp plucks strings of pines, and the French horn crawls on the long notes with extremely weak strength. In this hazy, rippling, and splashing scene, In the background, the violin sings the crystal-clear and beautiful theme of the water nymph in the high register.
The Vltava River continues to flow forward. When it passes through the St. John Canyon, the huge waves violently hit the rocks and cliffs, making a thunderous roar. The music here has no melody, only tense, dark, and severe sounds that continue to increase. The addition of brass instruments and timpani makes the music more sinister.
The river finally broke out of the dangerous shoal. At this time, the speed accelerated and the intensity increased. The music suddenly became bright and firm. The theme of the Vltava River changed from the original soft and dim minor mode to a bright major key. It surges forward with great momentum and full of joy of victory.
Finally, the Vltava River came to the Prague Castle, a castle not far from Prague. All wind instruments played the theme of the ancient castle from the first symphonic poem loudly, symbolizing the Czech Republic. The nation has a long history.
The surging river still flows forward and gradually disappears into the distance.