Vltava

Instrumentation:

• [Part 1] Piccolo, Flute, Eb Clarinet, Bb Clarinet
• [Part 2] Oboe, Bb Clarinet, Bb Soprano Saxophone, Bb Trumpet, Eb Alto Saxophone
• [Part 3] Bb Clarinet, Bb Trumpet, Alto Saxophone in Eb, Bb Tenor Saxophone
• [Part 4] Alto Saxophone in Eb, Bb Tenor Saxophone, F Horn, Trombone, Euphonium
• [Part 5] Bb Tenor Saxophone, Eb Alto Clarinet, Bassoon, Trombone, Euphonium
• [Part 6] Bb Bass Clarinet, Eb Baritone Saxophone, Tuba, String Bass
• [Percussion(optional)] Timpani, Triangle, Bass Drum, Suspended Cymbal

Vltava (also known as Die Moldau) by Smetana is the second symphonic poem from his symphonic cycle M? Vlast (My Country). It is perhaps his most famous work.

The grand melody portrays the swirling Moldau river emerging from its verdant source, traversing Czech's rich history. While the original score has strings depicting a beautiful and pastoral atmosphere, this flexible arrangement is for eight part wind and percussion ensemble, accessible for up to 31 players, which can be adjusted to suit given instrumentation.

If taceting "Mondschein, Nymphenreigen" section, the tied-notes lead smoothly to "St.Johann-Stromschnellen". It is my sincere desire that this gorgeous piece of music be used for a variety of settings and occasions.

Daisuke Ehara