Analysis Of The Stylistic Features And Teaching Value Of Bedrich Smetana’s Piano Work Polka OP.7

In the 19 th century of late romanticism in Western music,a group of excellent nationalistic musicians sprang up.Inspired by nationalistic music in their own countries,the musicians processed genres or tunes of folk music artistically,which made it more valuable to appreciate and learn the folk musical pieces.The nationalist composers hoped to promote national unity and revitalize national development by praising their beautiful motherlands.Numerous piano pieces they created with nationalistic music styles of different countries have become indispensable etudes for piano learners.Bedrich Smetana is one of the representative Czech nationalist composers in the 19 th century.With folk melody as the basis and flexible application of folk music elements for all his works,Smetana composed a variety of works with the characteristics of Czech nationalist music including piano music,opera works,and symphonic poems.Smetana was so fond of folk-dance music,especially Polka,that the whole Volume Two of the Complete Piano Works of Smetana was all about Polka,and that in his works of other types,the musical elements of Polka were also frequently used.Smetana transformed Polka into a genre of nationalistic piano music,which is popular among global music learners and has been promoted all over the world.Therefore,it’s worthy learning and studying.This paper comprises three parts.In the first part,the overall style of Smetana’s works is introduced;in the second part,the author analyzes the background and musical characteristics of 3 Polkas de salon,Op.7(Polka(OP.7))by Smetana;and in the third part,the author discusses the value of teaching and learning Polka(OP.7)of the nationalistic music style.By learning Polka(OP.7),learners can understand the styles of Czech nationalistic music,and performers can enhance their musical expression based on the knowledge of musical elements of the works.