Antonin Dvorak’s symphonic poem The Golden Spinning Wheel (Zlatý Kolovrat) was inspired by a poem penned by 19th century Czech poet Karel Jaromir Erben. The Golden Spinning Wheel tells the story of Dornička, a kind young woman whom a king chooses as his bride after meeting her in the forest. Jealous of her beauty and good fortune, Dornička’s stepmother and stepsister deceive the king by having the stepsister take her place. A golden spinning wheel reveals the truth about the crime to the king. The villains are punished, Dornička is reunited with the king, and the tale ends as a classic folk-ballad lesson about justice, virtue, and the eventual triumph of truth over deceit.

Instrumentation:

• Piccolo
• 4 C Flutes
• 2 Alto Flutes
• 2 Bass Flutes
• Contrabass Flute