Noon Witch, The (Polednice, Op. 108, B. 196): Full Orchestra, Conductor Score & Parts

In 1896, soon after his return from America to his Bohemian homeland, Antonín Dvorák wrote a set of four orchestral pieces based on Karel Jaromír Erben's collection of poetry A BOUQUET OF FOLK LEGENDS. Included among these was his tone poem THE NOON WITCH (POLEDNICE), OP. 108, B. 196. It relates the tale of a mother who warns her unruly child that if he doesn't mend his behavior, the Noon Witch will come to snatch him away. When the witch does finally appear, the mother tries to protect him in an effort that results in tragic consequences. The work premiered on June 3, 1896 at the Prague Conservatory under the baton of Antonín Bennewitz. Henry Wood directed the first public performance in London on November 21. Instrumentation: 2+Picc.2.2+BCl.2: 4.2.3.1: Timp.Perc(4): Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set).