Bláník (Valhalla of the Hussite heroes: a mountain in S. Bohemia)
The poem commences at the exact point where the previous ‘Tabor’ movement ends – with the same theme. The movement follows the fortunes of the followers of Jan Hus, who, defeated, took refuge in Blaník Mountain. There they sleep, until their country needs them again. The symphonic poem contains a depiction of the natural scenery, a brief pastoral interlude, as a shepherd-boy blows his pipe, and the Hussite hymn of victory and patriotic triumph, combining with returning themes of Vysehrad.
Smetana comments on the poem as follows: “This is the continuation from the previous work, Tabor. The Hussites wait in heavy sleep for the moment to come to the country’s aid. So, the same theme ‘Ye Who are God’s Warriors’ as in ‘Tabor’ further develops in the ‘Blanik’. On the basis of this melody, lies the resurrection of the Czech nation and its future happiness and glory!”
Smetana comments on the poem as follows: “This is the continuation from the previous work, Tabor. The Hussites wait in heavy sleep for the moment to come to the country’s aid. So, the same theme ‘Ye Who are God’s Warriors’ as in ‘Tabor’ further develops in the ‘Blanik’. On the basis of this melody, lies the resurrection of the Czech nation and its future happiness and glory!”