Moldau, The

The Moldau, composed by Bedrich Smetana, arranged for flute orchestra by Shaul Ben-Meir

Instrumentation: 6 C Flutes (flute 2 doubles on piccolo), 2 Alto Flutes, 2 Bass Flutes, Contrabass Flute

Score and parts

In this work, Smetana uses tone painting to evoke the sounds of one of Bohemia’s great rivers.  In his own words:

“The composition describes the course of the Vltava, starting from the two small springs, the Cold and the Warm Vltava, to the joining of both streams into a single current.  The course of the Vltava passes through woods and meadows, through landscapes where a farmer’s wedding is celebrated, by a round dance of mermaids in the moonlight.  On nearby rocks proud castles, palaces and ruins loom high above.  The Vltava swirls into the St. John’s Rapids, then widens and flows toward Prague, past the Vysehrad (High castle), and majestically vanishes into the distance, ending at the Labe river.”

This arrangement for Flute Orchestra can be performed by both a large or small ensemble of a minimum of two players per part.  Additional lower instruments will add more to the depth of sound.