UMC Concert Series presents, Prague Symphony Orchestra ... Monday, November 7, 1988

Abstract

"Modern Czechoslovakia was created in 1918 during the aftermath of World War I from territories formerly part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Comprised of Slovakia and the traditional Czech lands of Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia, the nation represented the fulfillment of a long-held dream. The peoples of Czechoslovakia had lived in an atmosphere of political and religious oppression under the heel of the Hapsburgs since the time of the Counter Reformation. Although the Czechs can point to an illustrious musical past, dating back at least to the ninth century, they did not cultivate a distinctive tradition of fine-art music until the nineteenth century. Musicians from the region, however, had always participated fully in the unfolding history of music in Central Europe."--Program Notes.