Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Kosmas: Czechoslovak and Central European Journal
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to codify features that comprise Czech polkas and waltzes that remain popular in Texas today and to “examine what makes their music and texts a rich legacy worth preserving.” It distinguishes Czech folk music and lidovka music, the latter being newer and comprising polkas and waltzes in major keys. Overlapping with dechovka [wind music], lidovka is the type of Czech music popular in Texas. After a brief history of both the polka and waltz, the phrasing and form of the music is discussed. The greater part of the article examines the poetry of the songs’ texts. Nature is the source of much symbolism, especially in the songs that deal with love. Some songs can be nonsensical or bawdy. While most of the songs come from the Czech lands, a few of the songs were written in Texas. The texts of seven songs are included in their entirety along with English translations.
First Page
43
Last Page
57
Publication Date
Spring 2004
Recommended Citation
Novak, John K., "The Czech Song in Texas: Style and Text" (2004). Faculty Peer-Reviewed Publications. 1231.
https://huskiecommons.lib.niu.edu/allfaculty-peerpub/1231
Department
School of Music
Rights Statement
In copyright
Comments
The citation for the version of record for this article is: Novak, John K. "The Czech Song in Texas: Style and Text". Kosmas: Czechoslovak and Central European Journal 17, no. 2 (Spring 2004) 43-57.