Bedrich Smetana

Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884), a Czech composer, is known for the symphonic poem "The Moldau" and the opera "The Bartered Bride." Considered the father of Czech music, he studied piano and violin self-taught and later at the Prague Conservatory. In 1848, during the uprisings, he composed his first nationalist symphony. After a successful European tour, he returned to Prague in 1861, founding the "Hlahol Philharmonic Society." Smetana also served as director at the National Theater in Prague. Deafness forced him to retire in 1874-1875, but he continued composing until his death in 1884. He is buried in Vyšehrad, Prague, with a monument near the Vltava River and the Charles Bridge.