Bedřich Smetana: Korespondence / Correspondence II (1863–1874)

This remarkable long-term project aimed at publishing a critical edition of all the known correspondence of Bedřich Smetana (1824–1884) has now continued with its second volume. Thus the public will have access for the first time to his complete correspondence from 1863 through 1874, with detailed annotations. This volume covers the years of Smetana's most intensive and multifaceted activities in the musical life of Prague, which came to a definitive end with his loss of hearing in the autumn of 1874. The correspondence itself and extensive commentaries shed light on many aspects of cultural life during this period, and also give a glimpse into the private life of this outstanding Czech composer, pianist, conductor, teacher, critic, concert programmer, and organizer of important musical events. Also found in the volume are abstracts, illustrations, a bibliography, and detailed indexes.