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 ‘Dance of the Comedians’
The instrumental passage in Act 3 is often referred to as the “Dance of the Comedians” and is probably the most famous passage of this “comic” opera (which is a light opera with a happy ending).The act opens with a traveling circus coming to the village. The circus troupe runs through the local area, introducing performers and encouraging people to come to the circus. The show includes acrobats, clowns, a dancer called Esmeralda, and even a dancing bear.
When one listens to it, one can’t help but feel uplifted by the “vivace” tempo (lively beat and fast rhythm) of the music. Just like the villagers, the audience is enthused and enticed by the performance. The orchestral passage has contrasting sections with various instrumental parts, from fast string passages to loud percussion and trumpet solos.
This creates an energetic theme with characteristic melodic passages for each performer. The entrance of Esmeralda, the star of the show, is accompanied by fast strings and loud percussion. As the piece progresses, the excitement builds as more instruments join to create the final “tutti,” the big orchestral finish to symbolize the grand finish of a circus performance.
A New Musical Style
Smetana used Czech motifs throughout this orchestral section, with the cheerful melody underlined by dramatic rhythms. At the time, no other composers used elements of traditional folk music like this.The orchestral passage is in a syncopated rhythm (2/4 meter), creating a “skocna,” which is a fast-paced folk dance. It captures the spirit of traditional Czech music and culture. Dance rhythms are important throughout, especially the polka and the furiant (a rapid and agitated Bohemian dance alternating between 2/4 and 3/4 time).
Smetana is considered the father of Czech music, as he helped form a new musical style at the time when the Czech Republic was creating its national identity. Through his music, Smetana also influenced other Czech composers, including Antonin Dvorak.
Czech elements throughout the opera include the libretto, which is in the Czech language—at a time when most operas were performed in German—as well as traditional Czech costumes and a typical Bohemian village setting.
Smetana understood that music can uplift our emotions and carry a wonderful message of hope. “Dance of the Comedians” is an outstanding example of Smetana’s legacy, which changed the classical music world and continues to uplift people today.
