Leoš Janácek (1854-1928) was a Czech composer, musical theorist, folklorist, publicist and teacher. He was inspired by Moravian and other Slavic folk music to create an original, modern musical style. The 'Lachian Dances' (Lašské tance) was Janácek's first mature work.
The work is split into six separate dances: 1. Starodávný I (Old Time Dance I), 2. Požehnaný (The Blessed), 3. Dymák (Smoke Dance), 4. Starodávný II (Old Time Dance II), 5. Celadenský (Celadna Dance) and 6. Pilky (The Saws). Dutch arranger Christiaan Janssen transcribed all six dances for Symphonic Band.