The Power of Music: 'Dance of the Comedians,' Smetana's Uplifting LegacyMusic conveys emotion and truth, even without words. "Dance of the Comedians," an instrumental passage from the 1870 opera "The Bartered Bride" composed by Czech composer Bedrich Smetana, is a shining example.
Influenced by the Romantic music style, which experimented with new forms and harmonies, Smetana was one of the first composers to use folk-like tunes and rhythms in classical music. He learned this folk music from Bohemia, a region of the Czech nation, where he grew up. He then shaped these tunes and rhythms into a new style: Czech classical music.
"The Bartered Bride" tells of hope and true love. It is the love story of Marenka and Jenik, but Marenka's parents want her to marry a man she doesn't know. Luckily, after numerous obstacles, the two lovers finally reunite and marry. The entire opera has a contagious energy and joy, which is especially true in the third act....
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