Janáček’s Sinfonietta – an ode to Czechoslovakia - premiered in Prague 95 years ago

Sinfonietta, an orchestral composition by Leoš Janáček, written at a time of strong nationalism and an atmosphere of anticipation of the Seventh Sokol Slet is perceived as an ode to Czechoslovakia.

Composed in 1926, the Sinfonietta, consists of five movements of which each is scored for a different combination of orchestral instruments.

It was first performed in Prague on June 26, 1926, at the same time as the Glagolitic Mass, under the baton of Václav Talich.

The Sinfonietta, or small symphony, has been conducted by some of the world’s top conductors, among them Sir Simon Rattle, Michael Tilson Thomas, Claudio Abbado, Leonard Bernstein or Kurt Masur.