Lachian Dances

Janáček’s first mature work were his Lachian Dances that was first performed in 1889. These dances were originally entitled Wallachian which was a region in Moravia but later when the regions name changes so did he name of the work as the work reflects folk songs from that specific area. It is not only the title that points the work towards Lachian but also the melodies that Janáček reproduced in the work.

The work is split into six separate dances the first of which is titled Stárodanvỳ I translates to The Ancient One. This movement starts with a bright 3/4 feel that moves quickly to introduce the first melody which is played by the first violin In this movement the melodies are based around two Lachian dances, the real dance and the ribbon or club dance.

After the opening melody the piece finds itself in an allegro 2/4 for the second half of the ribbon dance that is a common feature of Moravian music. The same thing happens a number of times before drawing the dance to a close.

The second dance, titled Poźehnanỳ translates to The Blessed. In this dance you can see where Janáček took his inspiration. The opening theme is played and then repeated through out the whole movement, a trait that was considered essential in all Moravian dances.

The third movement, titled Dymák portrays a blacksmith at work. The strong on beats indicating the hitting of his hammer on the hot steel. This movement also increases tempo considerably over the preceding two dances starting at an allegro but increasing to prestissimo to indicate the hot and industrious work.

The forth movement, Stárodanvỳ II, is clearly influenced by Dvořák by the use of orchestration, mood and writing. The melody itself is a version of a folk tune from the Bartoš collection and although similar to the opening dance varies slightly. This dance is also a lot slower compared to the opening and keeps a regular tempo through to the end helping maintain its grace.

The fifth movement, Čelanedenskỳ, was in all intents and purpose considered by Janáček to be exactly what a typical Czech dance should consist of in form, expression as well as style.

Yet again it shows that the opening theme is repeated in some form throughout the piece. As the piece progresses this original theme is dovetailed with a second melody before two other melodies join the melee which leads to a bright and lively end.

The final movement is a saw dance, titled Pilky. This movement signifies the peasant’s hurried preparations for the onset of winter where all of the firewood has to be sawed and stored. This final movement is in three very distinct sections, the first an andante con moto at the opening theme while the second, marked Più mosso is a bright flighty dance. The tempo is increased before returning to the original tempo and original theme but only to be built up again for a climactic finish.