         Smetana was the founder of Czech national music.  His music is rich with folk themes based on the myths and legends of Bohemia.  His nationalism emerged when he moved to Prague in 1862.  Like Beethoven, some of his finest works were composed after he was completely deaf.  This selection is part of M Vlast (My Country) based on cycle of six symphonic poems.  The Moldau is a symphonic poem about a river flowing from its earliest beginnings through the countryside, celebrations of water
nymphs, and feasts. The river builds and becomes very powerful flowing toward Prague.  