Renowned Czech composers Bedrich Smetana and Antonin Dvorak drew deeply from their homeland’s folk music traditions in their classical-romantic compositions.
Smetana’s “Ma Vlast” (My Fatherland) pays homage to what is now the Czech Republic, while his renowned piece “The Vltava” (also known as “The Moldau”) vividly portrays the river’s journey from a small stream through rapids to a mighty river flowing into Germany’s Elbe.
At the Rheingau Music Festival, the Hessischer Rundfunk Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Armenian-French conductor Alain Altinoglu, showcased these Czech classics to open their annual performances. Altinoglu, known for his ability to capture the essence of different cultures through music, highlighted the Czech spirit—a blend of generosity and pessimism—infusing simplicity into his interpretations.
The audience responded enthusiastically to Altinoglu’s approach, particularly during star violinist Christian Tetzlaff’s rendition of Dvorak’s Concerto for Violin and Orchestra Opus 53. Tetzlaff’s performance was lauded for its charisma and vibrant energy, adding to the evening’s acclaim.
