Bedřich Smetana Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

The Symphonic Poem ‘The Moldau’Bedřich Smetana29rank/position

Smetana ~ Moldau

This symphonic poem by the Czech composer Bedřich Smetana vividly portrays the majestic journey of a river through music.

It begins with the shimmering of two springs depicted by flute and clarinet, gradually swelling into a broad current that reflects the bustle of a peasant wedding and a fantastical scene of fairies dancing under the moonlight.

The river’s stately flow through the ancient city of Prague is so grand that it’s unforgettable after a single hearing.

A movement from the renowned symphonic cycle Má vlast, this work was composed in 1874 as Smetana was losing his hearing, and its beautiful melodies have captivated many listeners.

It has been widely cherished and used in films such as The Tree of Life.

It’s a perfect piece for those seeking a refreshing mood on a summer day or anyone who wants to immerse themselves in richly pictorial orchestral music.

Symphonic Poem “Wallenstein’s Camp,” Op. 14Bedřich Smetana30rank/position

Smetana Wallenstein’s Camp Op.14

Here is a symphonic poem etched into the history of Czech music.

It opens with a rugged introduction by percussion and brass, followed by strings carrying the melody.

Folk-like themes in the woodwinds and a solo violin appear, offering a captivating array of timbres and dramatic developments.

Composed between 1858 and 1859, the work portrays the figure of a mercenary captain active during the Thirty Years’ War and reflects the political climate of the time.

Smetana wrote it while staying in Sweden, and at about 15 minutes in duration, it is a significant piece that reveals the growth of his compositional technique and expressive power.

Be sure to give it a listen.

Symphony of Victory in E major, Op. 6Bedřich Smetana31rank/position

Bedrich Smetana(1824-84): Triumphal Symphony in E major Op.6 (1853-54)

Smetana, hailed as the “father of Czech music,” composed his only symphony between 1853 and 1854.

The first movement opens with a brilliant fanfare quoting the Austrian national anthem, the second features pastoral, beautiful melodies, the third dances along with a light, buoyant rhythm, and the fourth is powerful and majestic—together unfolding a rich and varied musical world.

There is an anecdote that Smetana initially intended to dedicate the work to celebrate the marriage of Franz Joseph I, but the dedication was rejected on the grounds that he was Czech.

Although nationalist elements are understated, this is an ambitious work that showcases the talent of the young Smetana.

Dreams – Six Character VignettesBedřich Smetana32rank/position

Smetana ：Reves – 6 Morceaux caracteristique

Dreams – Six Character Pieces (Sny: Six Characteristic Compositions).

No.

1: Lost Happiness; No.

2: Consolation; No.

3: In Bohemia; No.

4: In the Salon; No.

5: By the Castle; No.

6: Bohemian Peasants’ Festival.

Piano: Mariko Tsuboi, performed at Kyoto Aoyama Barocksaal.

String Quartet No. 1 in E minor “From My Life,” Fourth MovementBedřich Smetana33rank/position

String Quartet No. 1 in E minor “From my Life” – Vivace

This is a string quartet composed by Smetana, widely known for The Moldau from Má vlast, and it carries the subtitle From My Life.

Each of the four movements has its own theme, unfolding like a recollection of the composer’s early life.

The first movement is written under the theme “My youthful longing for art, the Romantic atmosphere,” expressing Smetana’s strong yearning for Prague, having been born in Bohemia.

Notable are the viola’s melody, at once passionate and tinged with anxiety and restlessness, and the violin’s flowing harmonies that seem to soothe this tension.

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String Quartet No. 1 in E minor, “From My Life”Bedřich Smetana34rank/position

B. Smetana — String Quartet No. 1 “From my life” / Meccore String Quartet at Wigmore Hall

An autobiographical work that expresses the Czech soul through music—that is the String Quartet No.

1 in E minor, “From My Life.” Composed in 1876, this piece portrays Smetana’s life across four movements.

From the passion of his youth and the joys of his early days, to memories of first love and the tragedy of losing his hearing, his life story is told in the language of sound.

Particularly striking is the ringing in the ears depicted in the fourth movement: a sustained high pitch that conveys Smetana’s anguish and resonates deeply with the listener.

Elements of Czech folk music appear throughout, communicating his love for his homeland.

This work lets you truly feel Smetana’s life—be sure to give it a listen.

String Quartet No. 2 in D minorBedřich Smetana35rank/position

The Smetana Quartet: Bedrich Smetana, String Quartet N.2 in D minor

This is a masterpiece Smetana left in his later years.

Despite suffering from hearing impairment, he expresses intense emotions within a free form in this work.

Consisting of four movements, it is particularly the first movement that depicts mental turmoil and presents a challenge to performers.

Completed in March 1883, the piece later influenced Expressionist music and is said to have inspired Schoenberg.

With its free expression that transcends traditional musical structures and its profound emotion, the work vividly reflects the composer’s inner conflicts and suggests new possibilities for classical music.