The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country has borders with Poland to the north, Germany to the northwest and west, Austria to the south, and Slovakia to the east. Historic Prague, a major tourist attraction, is its capital and largest city. Other major cities include Brno, Ostrava, Zlín, Plzeň, Pardubice, Hradec Králové, České Budějovice, Liberec, Olomouc, and Ústí nad Labem.

Undoubtedly the most internationally famous form of Czech folk music is Bohemian polka. Polka is a dance in duple time that became popular across Europe in the 19th century and spread across the world, influencing music from Mexico to Japan. Modern Bohemian music is most innovative in Chodsko, where bagpipes are common. Moravian folk music is best-known for the cimbalom, which are played in ensembles that also include double bass, clarinet and violins. Moravian regions include foreign influences, especially Valachia and its Romanian history, and Lachia with Polish aspects.

 

DOUDLEBSKA POLKA

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