The music presented here was composed by Bedřich Smetana as orchestral pieces within his opera "The Bartered Bride" in 1866. This occurred at a time when many countries that had previously embraced foreign traditions (mainly German ones) began to turn inward, seeking musical expression that touched more deeply their own native instincts. In Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), nationalistic pride was kindled first by Smetana, then by Dvorák, and later by Janácek and Martinu. The Bartered Bride (Smetana’s second opera) stands in a pre-eminent position, credited with having established in its country a national musical consciousness.

Covert Ensemble has taken three of the most famous orchestral movements of Smetana’s opera and arranged them for two saxophones and piano. The first - Furiant - is deceptively tricky, alternating with shifting two and three feels within the meter. The Polka is engaging and tuneful, and is often performed as a stand-alone concert piece. Skocna is also known as the Dance of the Clowns or Dance of the Tumblers, and is a popular, lively and dynamic dance that is typically performed as part of concert suites rather than within the full opera. The music is characterized by its fast tempo, playful melodies, and energetic rhythms, capturing the festive and joyful atmosphere of a village celebration.