Episodes
| Series | Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 01 | Triumph And Tragedy | 20111128 | Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Bed?ich 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. Donald Macleod discusses a highly personal chamber work and Smetana's move to Gothenburg. | |
| 2011 | 02 | Wives And Others | 20111129 | Donald Macleod focuses on Smetana's romantic life. | |
| 2011 | 03 | First Nights From Hell | 20111130 | Donald Macleod on Smetana tried to create an operatic style that was recognisably Czech. | |
| 2011 | 04 | Being Bohemian | 20111201 | Donald Macleod explores the rebirth of a Czech culture after years of suppression by the Hapsburg Empire. Smetana himself grew up speaking German and struggled with his own Czech librettos. His music is firmly rooted in the politics of the time, and throughout, he was determined to forge a musical identity for his nation - one which found its most popular and enduring voice in his series of tone poems: Ma Vlast. Macleod explores Smetana's Ma Vlast and the rebirth of a Czech culture. | |
| 2011 | 05 LAST | Cruel Destiny | 20111202 | On 5th September 1874, Smetana wrote to the Chairman of the Board of the Provisional Theatre, where he was employed as chief conductor: 'It is my cruel destiny that I may lose my hearing'. Six weeks later, he was completely deaf. He immediately set to work on what would become his most famous and popular work, Ma Vlast, a brilliant evocation of the landscape of his native land. The next ten years were desperately difficult. Smetana was unemployed, with financial anxieties, marriage woes, often in pain, constantly depressed. Donald Macleod tells the story of Smetana's final years. Donald Macleod tells the story of Smetana's final years, when he composed Ma Vlast. | |
| 2023 | 01 | Ambition And Struggle | 20230206 | 20240226 (R3) | Young Smetana's musical talent was obvious, but would that be enough to get his life on track? Presented by Donald Macleod. The title of Smetana's most popular work, ‘Ma Vlast', gives us a clue to what drove him through much of his career. It translates as ‘My Homeland' and the music is Smetana's ardent tribute to the Czech sprit of his beloved Bohemia. The composer was deeply involved with his people's struggle for cultural and political independence from the Hapsburg empire. He pledged his art to those aims, and he even took to the streets to fight on the barricades, on one occasion. Smetana's life was also beset by great misfortunes. When times were hardest, he always turned to music, even after illness made composing an almost impossible exertion. He created some of his most extraordinary works under the most painful circumstances. This week, Donald Macleod follows Smetana as he grows from naïve revolutionary into one of the foundational figures in Czech music. In Monday's programme, Smetana arrives in Prague as a promising young musician but, with no means of support, he quickly begins to struggle. The composer is faced with many challenges and is forced to learn how to carry on in the face of overwhelming tragedy. The Bartered Bride: Overture BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jiří Bělohlávek Triumphal symphony, II. Largo maestoso JanáĀ?ek Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Theodore Kuchar Polka: Memory of Plzeň Jan Novotný, piano Wedding Scenes(orch. F. Hertl) Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Robert Stankovsky Piano Trio in G minor: II. Allegro ma non agitato & III. Presto Trio Wanderer Smetana's talent was obvious, but would that be enough to survive? With Donald Macleod. The title of Smetana's most popular work, Ma Vlast', gives us a clue to what drove him through much of his career. It translates as My Homeland' and the music is Smetana's ardent tribute to the Czech sprit of his beloved Bohemia. The composer was deeply involved with his people's struggle for cultural and political independence from the Hapsburg empire. He pledged his art to those aims, and he even took to the streets to fight on the barricades, on one occasion. Smetana's life was also beset by great misfortunes. When times were hardest, he always turned to music, even after illness made composing an almost impossible exertion. He created some of his most extraordinary works under the most painful circumstances. This week, Donald Macleod follows Smetana as he grows from nave revolutionary into one of the foundational figures in Czech music. BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ji?퀀 B?lohlကvek Janက?ek Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Theodore Kuchar Polka: Memory of Plze? |
| 2023 | 02 | Northern Exposure | 20230207 | 20240227 (R3) | Smetana decides to abandon his woes, his family and his homeland. What can he be thinking? Presented by Donald Macleod. The title of Smetana's most popular work, ‘Ma Vlast', gives us a clue to what drove him through much of his career. It translates as ‘My Homeland' and the music is Smetana's ardent tribute to the Czech sprit of his beloved Bohemia. The composer was deeply involved with his people's struggle for cultural and political independence from the Hapsburg empire. He pledged his art to those aims, and he even took to the streets to fight on the barricades, on one occasion. Smetana's life was also beset by great misfortunes. When times were hardest, he always turned to music, even after illness made composing an almost impossible exertion. He created some of his most extraordinary works under the most painful circumstances. This week, Donald Macleod follows Smetana as he grows from naïve revolutionary into one of the foundational figures in Czech music. Today, Donald finds Smetana making a new start in a new country. But is Sweden really where he wants to be? How can Smetana champion the cause of Czech culture and national identity from a foreign land? Vision at the Ball Jitka Cechová, piano Richard III BBC Philharmonic, conducted by Gianandrea Noseda Memories of Bohemia: Nos 2 & 4 Antonin Kubálek, piano Håkon Jarl Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Rafael Kubelík Smetana decides to abandon his woes, his family and his homeland. With Donald Macleod. The title of Smetana's most popular work, Ma Vlast', gives us a clue to what drove him through much of his career. It translates as My Homeland' and the music is Smetana's ardent tribute to the Czech sprit of his beloved Bohemia. The composer was deeply involved with his people's struggle for cultural and political independence from the Hapsburg empire. He pledged his art to those aims, and he even took to the streets to fight on the barricades, on one occasion. Smetana's life was also beset by great misfortunes. When times were hardest, he always turned to music, even after illness made composing an almost impossible exertion. He created some of his most extraordinary works under the most painful circumstances. This week, Donald Macleod follows Smetana as he grows from nave revolutionary into one of the foundational figures in Czech music. Jitka Cechovက, piano Antonin Kubကlek, piano H倀kon Jarl Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Rafael Kubel퀀k |
| 2023 | 03 | Stage-struck | 20230208 | 20240228 (R3) | Smetana plans his conquest of Prague's new opera theatre. With Donald Macleod. The title of Smetana's most popular work, ‘Ma Vlast', gives us a clue to what drove him through much of his career. It translates as ‘My Homeland' and the music is Smetana's ardent tribute to the Czech sprit of his beloved Bohemia. The composer was deeply involved with his people's struggle for cultural and political independence from the Hapsburg empire. He pledged his art to those aims, and he even took to the streets to fight on the barricades, on one occasion. Smetana's life was also beset by great misfortunes. When times were hardest, he always turned to music, even after illness made composing an almost impossible exertion. He created some of his most extraordinary works under the most painful circumstances. This week, Donald Macleod follows Smetana as he grows from naïve revolutionary into one of the foundational figures in Czech music. Today, Smetana is determined to put himself at the centre of Prague's most exciting new project: a national theatre dedicated to promoting Czech culture. His lack of experience, outspoken attitude and many rivals soon threaten to scupper his ambitions. Overture to Oldřich and Božena Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra, Košice; conducted by Robert Stankovsky Song of the Czechs Czech Philharmonic Chorus Prague Symphony Orchestra; conducted by Zdeněk Košler Overture to Doktor Faust JanáĀ?ek Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Theodore Kuchar The Brandenburgers in Bohemia (extracts) Milada Šubrtová, soprano Miloslava Fidlerová, soprano Vera Soukupová, contralto Antonín Votava, tenor Bohumír Vích, tenor Prague National Theatre Chorus Prague National Theatre Orchestra, conducted by Jan Hus Tichý The Bartered Bride: Act III finale Dana Buresová, soprano (Marenka) Tomás Juhás, tenor (Jeník) Ales Vorácek, tenor (Vasek) Gustáv BeláĀ?ek, bass (Micha) Jozsef Benci, bass (Kecal) BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jiří Bělohlávek Smetana plans his conquest of Prague's new opera theatre. Presented by Donald Macleod. The title of Smetana's most popular work, Ma Vlast', gives us a clue to what drove him through much of his career. It translates as My Homeland' and the music is Smetana's ardent tribute to the Czech sprit of his beloved Bohemia. The composer was deeply involved with his people's struggle for cultural and political independence from the Hapsburg empire. He pledged his art to those aims, and he even took to the streets to fight on the barricades, on one occasion. Smetana's life was also beset by great misfortunes. When times were hardest, he always turned to music, even after illness made composing an almost impossible exertion. He created some of his most extraordinary works under the most painful circumstances. This week, Donald Macleod follows Smetana as he grows from nave revolutionary into one of the foundational figures in Czech music. Overture to Old?ich and Boena Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra, Koice; conducted by Robert Stankovsky Prague Symphony Orchestra; conducted by Zden?k Koler Janက?ek Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Theodore Kuchar Milada ubrtovက, soprano Miloslava Fidlerovက, soprano Vera Soukupovက, contralto Anton퀀n Votava, tenor Bohum퀀r V퀀ch, tenor Dana Buresovက, soprano (Marenka) Tomကs Juhကs, tenor (Jen퀀k) Ales Vorကcek, tenor (Vasek) Gustကv Belက?ek, bass (Micha) BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ji?퀀 B?lohlကvek |
| 2023 | 04 | Rivalries | 20230209 | 20240229 (R3) | Smetana's campaign to save his prestigious conducting job is unexpectedly derailed. With Donald Macleod. The title of Smetana's most popular work, ‘Ma Vlast', gives us a clue to what drove him through much of his career. It translates as ‘My Homeland' and the music is Smetana's ardent tribute to the Czech sprit of his beloved Bohemia. The composer was deeply involved with his people's struggle for cultural and political independence from the Hapsburg empire. He pledged his art to those aims, and he even took to the streets to fight on the barricades, on one occasion. Smetana's life was also beset by great misfortunes. When times were hardest, he always turned to music, even after illness made composing an almost impossible exertion. He created some of his most extraordinary works under the most painful circumstances. This week, Donald Macleod follows Smetana as he grows from naïve revolutionary into one of the foundational figures in Czech music. Today, Smetana fights to defend his position as Prague's leading music voice. The political battles that ensue are even more vicious than the musical ones. Then, just as matters seem to be resolving, tragedy strikes in his life once again. Dalibor: Act I Scene 1 BBC Singers BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jiří Bělohlávek Festive Overture in C Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Robert Stankovsky The Two Widows: Act 2: Scene 3 Marchela Machotková, soprano (Anežka) Jiří ZahradníĀ?ek, tenor (Ladislav) Prague National Theatre Orchestra, conducted by František Jílek Má Vlast: 2. Vltava & 4. Z Ā?eských luhů a hájů. Czech Philharmonic, conducted by Jiří Bělohlávek Smetana campaigns to save his conducting job at the National Theatre. With Donald Macleod. The title of Smetana's most popular work, Ma Vlast', gives us a clue to what drove him through much of his career. It translates as My Homeland' and the music is Smetana's ardent tribute to the Czech sprit of his beloved Bohemia. The composer was deeply involved with his people's struggle for cultural and political independence from the Hapsburg empire. He pledged his art to those aims, and he even took to the streets to fight on the barricades, on one occasion. Smetana's life was also beset by great misfortunes. When times were hardest, he always turned to music, even after illness made composing an almost impossible exertion. He created some of his most extraordinary works under the most painful circumstances. This week, Donald Macleod follows Smetana as he grows from nave revolutionary into one of the foundational figures in Czech music. BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ji?퀀 B?lohlကvek Marchela Machotkovက, soprano (Aneka) Ji?퀀 Zahradn퀀?ek, tenor (Ladislav) Prague National Theatre Orchestra, conducted by Frantiek J퀀lek Mက Vlast: 2. Vltava & 4. Z ?eských luh? a hကj?. Czech Philharmonic, conducted by Ji?퀀 B?lohlကvek |
| 2023 | 05 LAST | Valediction | 20230210 | 20240301 (R3) | Forced to withdraw from public life, Smetana worries about his future and his legacy. With Donald Macleod. The title of Smetana's most popular work, ‘Ma Vlast', gives us a clue to what drove him through much of his career. It translates as ‘My Homeland' and the music is Smetana's ardent tribute to the Czech sprit of his beloved Bohemia. The composer was deeply involved with his people's struggle for cultural and political independence from the Hapsburg empire. He pledged his art to those aims, and he even took to the streets to fight on the barricades, on one occasion. Smetana's life was also beset by great misfortunes. When times were hardest, he always turned to music, even after illness made composing an almost impossible exertion. He created some of his most extraordinary works under the most painful circumstances. This week, Donald Macleod follows Smetana as he grows from naïve revolutionary into one of the foundational figures in Czech music. In today's programme, Smetana is forced to abandon his home in Prague as his financial circumstances deteriorate. He works feverishly to produce new operas that might win over Czech audiences and secure the income he desperately needs. Away from the theatre, he's creating some of his most personal and inspired music yet. On the Sea Shore Kathryn Stott, piano Libuše: Overture Cleveland Orchestra, conducted by Christoph von Dohnányi String Quartet No.1 in Em ‘From My Life': I. Allegro vivo appassionato & II. Allegro moderato alla Polka Wihan Quartet Czech Dances, Book 2: No.7 ‘The Lancer' & No.6 ‘Stamp Dance Jan Novotný, piano String Quartet No.2 in D, II. Allegro moderato - Andante cantabile & III. Allegro non piú moderato, ma agitato e con fuoco Pavel Haas Quartet Dogged by ill health, Smetana worries about his future and his legacy. With Donald Macleod The title of Smetana's most popular work, Ma Vlast', gives us a clue to what drove him through much of his career. It translates as My Homeland' and the music is Smetana's ardent tribute to the Czech sprit of his beloved Bohemia. The composer was deeply involved with his people's struggle for cultural and political independence from the Hapsburg empire. He pledged his art to those aims, and he even took to the streets to fight on the barricades, on one occasion. Smetana's life was also beset by great misfortunes. When times were hardest, he always turned to music, even after illness made composing an almost impossible exertion. He created some of his most extraordinary works under the most painful circumstances. This week, Donald Macleod follows Smetana as he grows from nave revolutionary into one of the foundational figures in Czech music. Libue: Overture Cleveland Orchestra, conducted by Christoph von Dohnကnyi String Quartet No.1 in Em From My Life': I. Allegro vivo appassionato & II. Allegro moderato alla Polka Czech Dances, Book 2: No.7 The Lancer' & No.6 Stamp Dance |