Modernism, Material Culture And The First World War

This five-part series, made by the team behind the award-winning series The Genius of Photography, The series examines the history of design, focusing on inventions – such as the ring pull and the fitted kitchen – that have transformed modern life.It tells the story of design from the Industrial Revolution through 20s modernism, the swinging 60s, the designer 80s and up to the present day. Features interviews with star designers like Philippe Starck and creatives from Apple and Ford; as well as design fans like Stephen Fry. THE GENIUS OF DESIGN charts the story invention and innovation from the Industrial Revolution up to modern day.

Bedřich Smetana is definitely considered the founder of the Czech school, thanks to his symphonic work and his incidental music, marked by a strong patriotic and nationalist trait. He was deeply influenced by the political events which took place in Prague in 1848, after which he became actively involved in the cultural life of his country. Born in 1824 and acclaimed as a violin prodigy at the age of four, during his studies he was introduced to composition for various ensembles and, in 1855, to chamber music.