Silver Medal 2004 Bedřich Smetana, Coin from Czech Republic - detailed information

This coin was issued in Czech Republic.

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Silver medal Bedřich Smetana proof | Czech Mint

The Mint says about this coin:

Silver medal Bedřich Smetana proof Bedřich Smetana, famous Czech composer, is famous particularly for his symphonic cycle My Fatherland which portrays the history, legends and landscape of the Czech lands and for his many operas The Brandenburgers in Bohemia (Braniboři v Čechách), The Bartered Bride (Prodaná nevěsta), Dalibor, Libuše, The Two Widows (Dvě vdovy), The Kiss (Hubička), The Secret (Tajemství), The Devil’s Wall (Čertova stěna). Smetana is considered to be the father of the Czech national opera and is of key importance for the Czech music.Bedřich Smetana was introduced to music at the age of four; after studies at the grammar school he completed his education by studies of theory and composition in the Proksch Music Institute in Prague (1843-47). Simultaneously he also worked as a music teacher in the family of Count Thun (1844-47, gave concerts and composed. In 1848 he opened a private Music Institute, but he failed. Both economic and family problems (three of four Smetana’s children died one soon after another) forced him to accept a generous offer from Sweden. From 1856 to 1861 he lived and worked in Göteborg and to Bohemia he came only for holiday. However, the prepared opening of the Prozatímní divadlo (Provisional Theatre) brought him back to Prague, but he got the desired job of the first conductor no sooner than in 1866 – after several years filled with teaching, concert giving and organizing various events (in 1863 he participated in the foundation of Umělecká beseda, between 1863–65 be was the choir master of Hlahol). In autumn 1874 he became deaf and had to give up not only his conductorship in theatre but also his concerts and teaching. He did not however stop composing and works of this period rank among the best. He influenced all areas of music.The obverse side features the portrait of Bedřich Smetana – created by a photo of the period and a drawing by Max Švabinský. In the circumscription of the medal there is his name and years of his life “Bedřich Smetana 1824–1884“.A detail of J. V. Myslbek’s stylized statue“Music“ has been used on the reverse side together with the following text in circumscription "180. výročí narození" (180th birth anniversary) and Smetana’s words “Life of Czechs in music“.Limited edition of 1000 pieces. More Less
Coin name: Silver medal Bedřich Smetana proof
Date of issue: 2004
Product Code: 30141-721
Issuer: Czech mint
Author of the obverse: Jaroslav Bejvl
Author of the reverse: Jaroslav Bejvl
Numbered issue: No
Certificate of Authenticity: Yes
Material: Silver
Fineness: 999 / 1000
Packaging: Blue leather case
Capsule: Yes