Bedřich Smetana and Pilsen
The world-renowned composer wasn’t born in Pilsen, however, he spent his formative student years from 1840 to 1843 here. Despite such a short visit, Pilsen is really proud of presence of this musical genius, so it is no surprise that his statue can be found a few steps from the Corso Fountain itself. After the reconstruction, the fountain represents another distinct tribute to Smetana’s lifetime work, including his less-known compositions. Furthermore, the composer’s activity is honoured by the international music festival Smetana Days, which is held every year in the metropolis of West Bohemia and features outstanding concerts by leading figures from both Czech and international music scene.
And what about the “Smetanovy sady” city park near the fountain? Don’t be mistaken, it does not bear the name after Bedřich Smetana, but after his older cousin, the professor Josef F. Smetana. It is believed that even thanks to him, the young talent finished his studies at a Pilsen grammar school, and also, they participated together in the rich cultural life the city offered. Smetana actively composed, played, and performed (for example, as a violinist at the St. Barholomew’s Cathedral) in Pilsen and he met his future wife Kateřina Kolářová here. The piece “Vzpomínka na Plzeň” (Memory of Pilsen) is dedicated to this fated love and belongs to the repertoire of the Corso Fountain as well.
Where can you find the singing fountain?
The Corso Fountain is located at the Kopeckého sady city park opposite the Neo-Renaissance Měšťanská beseda (Burgher’s Hall). As a point of orientation, you can use the statue of the famous artist who seems to be keeping an eye on this water feature.
When and what the fountain plays?
You can hear Bedřich Smetana’s well-known compositions several times a day, particularly at 10:00, 12:00, 15:00, 17:00, 20:00 a 21:30. The programme changes during the day. Shortened versions of pieces such as “Memory of Pilsen”, “March for the Shakespeare Festival“, the „Skočná“ from the opera „The Bartered Bride“, „From the Homeland“, „Louisen Polka“, „My Country – Vltava“, the chorus „Let Us Rejoice“ and the overtures to the operas „The Bartered Bride“, „The Kiss“ and „Libuše“ are played. The spectacle lasts around two to three minutes on average.
The musical performance is also influenced by events taking place in the “U Branky” area and the environs of the fountain. In such cases, melodies may be paused for a while so as not to interrupt other cultural events.
A new voice of the fountain
Did you know that the Corso Fountain used to sang before? A sound system was added to this purely decorative element in the 1990s, when Bedřich Smetana’s pieces sounded in the park, just as they do today. The main melody you could listen to was “Vzpomínka na Plzeň” (Memory of Pilsen), which also served as a signature tune for the Czech Radio Pilsen back then. As time went by, everyday wear and tear took its toll on the fountain and the sound equipment, so the musical function gradually disappeared. Recent repairs have therefore returned not only the elegant appearance, but also the voice to the fountain. This is provided by two posts with inbuilt speakers. Thanks to the modernization, the listening experience is accompanied by a visual one – spurting of water is synchronized with a rhythm of individual tracks. In the evening, the charming spectacle is complemented by light effect. Instead of a lavish show, you can expect primarily a dignified tribute to the national icon who once used to walk along Pilsen streets. Everything harmonizes with the atmosphere of peace and tranquillity here, so you can be sure that your stroll along the city parks will become an even more enjoyable experience
