• Civil Musical Ensemble: participating ensemble
• SVOBODA, František Václav: director of ensemble, vl

A report was published by the newspaper Der Tagesbote 24/10/1854 relating that it ‘had earlier published news that Kapellmeister F.W. Swoboda [Svoboda] will be founding a „Civil-Musikcapelle [Civil Musical Ensemble]“ for Prague. We now report that the said [ensemble] will give its first musical performance on 14th November in the Hall of Žofín Island.’ The correspondent hoped that this new endeavour would attract considerable support. No further details of the event were given by this source. On 3/11/1854 Der Tagesbote then reported that this event ‘previously advertised as taking place on 4th November’ would actually take place on the 14th. The report emphasized that the venture to establish this new civilian ensemble by Swoboda was not connected with his activities with the Military Music Society of which he was founder.

Der Tagesbote 12/11/1854 published further news of this event, relating that it would actually take place on Thursday 16th November. ‘Mr Kapellmeister F.W. Swoboda [Svoboda] with his newly organized civilian orchestra of 35 members gives a first concert in the Hall on Žofín Island. This orchestra is conceived for participating in balls, concerts, garden festivals and other occasions.’ Its members were noted to have permanent posts. Swoboda, it was noted, had given up a lucrative position to found the endsemble and in doing so ‘deserved great honour from his home town.’ Advance information about this event appeared in Mercy’s Anzeiger 13/11/1854. The source reported reported in its news section of ‘Local- und Provinzial-Nachrichten’ that ‘On 16th November takes place the first concert of Kapellmeister Mr F.W. Swoboda’s newly organised Civil Orchestra [Civil orchesters]. This consists of 35 members, among which are several first-rate soloists. From the endeavours of Mr Swoboda there comes to Prague a stable [stabiles - stable/definite//firm] orchestra, in character akin to the Institute in Vienna, which is particularly suited to the performance of music at Balls, Concerts etc. that are a common occurence here, so that the continued existence of the orchestra can be assured. Good results may be anticipated given the experience of the Kapellmeister. The programme of 16th November contains the excellent numbers: Entry and Chorus from Tannhäuser by Wagner, for the orchestra arranged by Swoboda; Souvenír de Mozart, Fantasie for the violin by Allard; Flute Concerto by Fürstenau; Divertimento for the harp by Burian.’

A review of this event was published by Der Tagesbote 17/11/1854. The source reported that ‘Yesterday in the Žofín Hall took place the first production of the laudably known Kapellmeister Mr Swoboda’s newly founded Civil Musical Ensemble. With the organization of this ... band, the zealous Kapellmeister, for years the arranger of our favourite Divertissements, has earnt a great honour. We must reserve our appreciation of the playing of the soloists, as well as of this ensemble of quite homogenously strong band, for subsequent productions, and today just note that performances of all the pieces gained the just praises of the numerously assembled public.’ No further details about the event were noted by this source.

Mercy’s Anzeiger 17/11/1854 also published a review of this event, relating that ‘The introductory concert of Kapellmeister’s Swoboda newly acquired and conducted Civil Orchestra took place in the Hall of Žofín Island yesterday. It gratifyingly attracted a numerous and friendly audience. Apart from some [unspecified] unforeseeable events (that always happen at a début) the organisation of this instrumental ensemble, considering its brief period of existence, leaves nothing to be desired. It satisfied with regard its main area of its concern, the performance of dance compositions, of which all but one had to be encored. In order to do justice to the performance of more difficult ensemble works, such as overtures, arrangements and opera fragments, sufficient rehearsals must be undertaken. A corps déprit can only be acquired over time, especially ... [one that seeks to unite] heterogenic elements. More attention might also be devoted to purity of intonation; insofar as unavoidable problems are not created by the temperature consistencies. The string section has a strong personnel, and the outstanding brass instruments are in experienced hands. Among the soloist, the first flautist, who performed a concert by Fürstenau, particularly stood out through his great bravery and stamina. Also the director of the orchestra and principal violinist is a proficient player; we would only wish that he as well as the other string players should set to with more force and play more emphatically. The introductory march from „Tannhäuser“ is quite sensationally arranged by Mr Swoboda, and should not fail in its particular effect following repeated rehearsals. We will soon have the opportunity to talk again about this new organization, to which we will devote much attention.’

The Czech-language arts and literature periodical Lumír 18/11/1854 published a review signed ‘-š.’ of this event. The correspondent reported ‘On Žofín the renowned Kapelník [Kapellmeister] Václav Svoboda with his newly founded civil band gave on the 16th a musical entertainment, to which a great many people public put in an appearance. In a short time Mr Svoboda has gained himself quite stalwart members and he knows perfectly how to utilise their strengths. Such a civil ensemble has for a long time been unknown for Prague. Amongst other pieces we heard soli on the flute, violin and harp, quite elegantly performed, and finally the March from „Tannhäuser“. The success of this first production showed that in a brief period Mr Svoboda has with his new band gained the enthusiastic appreciation and participation of the public.’   

The database record of this event assembles the programme from the information given by the specified reviews and from the detailed pre-concert report published by Mercy’s Anzeiger 13/11/1854. The Mercy’s Anzeiger 17/11/1854 review provided useful information about this ensemble and its direction by Svoboda. Notably, this source confirmed that the ensemble had been ‘acquired’ by Svoboda as opposed to having been founded by him. Svoboda evidently took over the ensemble founded earlier in 1854 by Schäde and Heydinger. The orchestra was not directed by Svoboda exclusively as a conductor but as violinist/leader.