Šárka is, perhaps, the least known of tone poems of Má Vlast. The legend on which it is based, which tells of Šárka the warrior maiden and her oath to wreak vengeance on all mankind, proved popular with Czech composers – in addition to Smetana, both Fibich and Janáček wrote operas based on the story.
Copland’s ballet Appalachian Spring was a major influence in the creation of an American national style in ‘classical’ composition. The work is dedicated to Martha Graham, the choreographer who collaborated with the composer on the work. Amazingly YouTube has the entire 1959(?) film of the original ballet on offer in four parts. Martha Graham, at 60+ (there's hope for us all yet!) recreates her original rôle of the settler’s bride: it's well worth watching.
Part 2
Part 3 Part 4
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