Vilém Blodek (1834-1874) was a Czech composer and a contemporary of Bedřich Smetana, with whom he often collaborated. Deeply inspired by the folk music of his time, he infused his works with a natural, melodic simplicity rooted in the Bohemian musical tradition.

Although his life was short, Blodek left behind an impressive body of work: a symphony, a flute concerto, incidental music for plays, songs, and various choral and chamber compositions. His only completed opera, Im Brunnen (also known...