The Power of Music: ‘Dance of the Comedians,’ Smetana’s Uplifting Legacy

The Power of Music: ‘Dance of the Comedians,’ Smetana’s Uplifting Legacy
"Bedrich Smetana Among his Friends," 1865, by Frantisek Dvorak shows how people responded to Smetana's music in their own way. His folk-inspired music continues to entrance people today. (Public Domain).
Ariane Triebswetter
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Music 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.

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.

“Dance of the Comedians” is much more than a catchy and cheerful opera act. Its musical structure has a fascinating connection to traditional Czech culture that’s unique to Smetana’s music.

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.

Portrait of Bedrich Smetana, 1854, by Geskel Saloman. Due to his including the folk traditions of his native Bohemia in his compositions, Smetana is often considered the father of Czech classical music. (Public Domain)
Portrait of Bedrich Smetana, 1854, by Geskel Saloman. Due to his including the folk traditions of his native Bohemia in his compositions, Smetana is often considered the father of Czech classical music. Public Domain

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.

Listen to “Dance of the Comedians” played by the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra: ept.ms/DanceOfTheComedians-SY
Ariane Triebswetter
Ariane Triebswetter
Author
Ariane Triebswetter is an international freelance journalist, with a background in modern literature and classical music.
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