Czech Suite

Czech Suite is a tonal portrait of the folk song tradition from Southwest Bohemia, which is still very colorful in its folk structures. Musically this area is very alive with two types of folk bands: the traditional brass band and the "Chod Band" which consists of two woodwinds (Eb and Bb Clarinet), strings (violins which are used as melody and as rhythmic instruments playing of weak beats in combination with string bass), and bagpipe.
 
It is the spirit of this "woodwind/string" band that I chose as the style of this work. Since the Chodsko bagpipe is not popular here in America I have by-passed that effect except for some characteristic references in the third voice of this composition.
 
Sprinkled in these charming folk melodies which I attempted to develop in the "theme and variations" format (theme representing the folk singer) are some original motives which give variety to the suite. My ancestors have occupied this region of SW Bohemia since the 12th century and so it is no wonder that I have been embodied with this folk impulse and wish to share it.