Born: 2 March 1824 · Died: 12 May 1884 · Age at death: 60
How old was Bedřich Smetana when he died?
Bedřich Smetana died aged 60. He was born on 2 March 1824 and died on 12 May 1884.
Composer regarded as the father of Czech nationalist music
Did you know?He became completely deaf later in life, yet he still managed to compose some of his greatest works, including the cycle Ma Vlast.
Quick facts
Date of birth2 March 1824
Date of death12 May 1884
Age at death60
NationalityCzech
BirthplaceLitomyšl, Czech Republic
Occupationcomposer, conductor, teacher
Editor's Take:
Bedřich Smetana gave Czech music its own voice. He grew up speaking German, the language of the educated classes. He later learned Czech to support the national revival. His comic opera The Bartered Bride became a symbol of Czech identity. Má vlast paints the rivers, castles and legends of Bohemia in sound. He wrote much of it after losing his hearing. Prague's spring music festival opens every year on the anniversary of his death.
Key Milestones
1866: Premieres The Bartered Bride
1874: Loses his hearing
1882: First full performance of Má vlast
Bedřich Smetana (2 March 1824 – 12 May 1884) was a Czech composer who pioneered the development of a musical style that became closely identified with his people's aspirations to a cultural and political "revival". He has been regarded in his homeland as the father of Czech music.
