"My Homeland;" Má Vlast 1. In the 1870s Smetana composed music that represents českost, including the cycle of symphonic poems entitled Má vlast. 2. The most popular of these is Vltava, most commonly known by its German name, “Die Moldau.” a. Smetana painted musical pictures that represent possible events and aspects of the river itself. b. Although he never quotes an actual folk song, the popular character of the music is appealing.
The Fate of a Tune: From Folk Song to Anthem 1. The main theme representing the river became the most popular theme Smetana ever composed. It has come to represent českost.