Dvořák’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.
When you think of the New World Symphony and the Slavonic Dances, you think of the Czech composer Antonín Leopold Dvořák.
Among classical composers, Dvořák is as well-known as Beethoven or Mozart; in Japan, the viola solo from his String Quartet “American” and the second movement of the New World Symphony are cherished under the title “Home, Sweet Home,” and the fourth movement of the New World is so familiar that even those who don’t know the composer’s name recognize its melody.
He is celebrated as one of classical music’s foremost melody-makers.
Here, we introduce the appeal of Dvořák’s works alongside outstanding performances by musicians from around the world.
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Dvořák’s masterpieces: Popular classical music (21–30)
The way homeAntonín Dvořák
The second movement of Symphony No.
9 “From the New World,” composed by the Czech composer Antonín Dvořák during his stay in America in 1893.
This beautiful melody is widely loved in Japan, and you often hear it used to signal school dismissal or to let local residents know it’s evening.
With its calm, unhurried character and not-too-wide intervals, it suits the simple tone of the recorder very well.
The flats and sharps are straightforward, making the fingerings easy to understand, and playing slowly gives you ample control over your breath.
Why not play it while picturing a sunset scene, filling it with feelings of longing for your hometown?
Symphonic Poem “Water Spirit,” Op. 107Antonín Dvořák
Antonín Dvořák, the Czech master whose talent was recognized by the famed composer Brahms.
This time, let’s introduce a symphonic poem from Dvořák’s late works, based on a folk tale.
The piece depicts a truly terrifying story: a water sprite who drags a young girl beneath the surface and brutally murders the child she bears.
Isn’t it perfect for creating a chilling Halloween night that’s more than just fun? At the time of its composition in 1896, some critics even called it “ugly and horrifying,” and its shocking content still feels thrilling today.
The acclaimed album “Symphonic Poems,” featuring performances conducted by Charles Mackerras, won the German Record Critics’ Award.
If you listen while imagining the story, it’s sure to deepen the Halloween mood.
Symphony No. 9, From the New World, Second Movement ‘Going Home’Antonín Dvořák
Known in Japan as a song often played around the time people head home, “Symphony No.
9, From the New World – II.
Largo (Going Home).” Its melody is beautiful, yet it somehow evokes a feeling of loneliness.
Antonín Dvořák, a Czech composer who gained fame with his Slavonic Dances, completed this piece while living in the United States.
Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 “From the New World”Antonín Dvořák
Among Dvořák’s symphonies, this piece—often counted among the “three great symphonies” alongside Beethoven’s Symphony No.
5 in C minor and Schubert’s Symphony No.
7 in B minor “Unfinished”—is so famous that many people are inclined to use it as background music to lift their spirits.
It is said that Dvořák composed this work as a message from America to his homeland of Bohemia, and when heard as a whole symphony, it feels profoundly dramatic.
With its wide dynamic contrasts and strong sense of message, it resonates with many listeners and has been heard by countless people.
It’s a recommended classical piece for those who want to work or study while heightening their sense of elation.
Slavonic Dances, Series II No. 1, Op. 72 No. 1Antonín Dvořák
This piano duet, which gracefully elevates the Czech folk dance “Odřezávák” (Odřezávák/Odřezák/Oděrák), captivates with harmonies woven by four hands and a powerful rhythmic drive.
Composed in 1886, inspired by traditional Slavic dances, it contrasts a bright, lively main theme with a gentle middle section to draw out a wide range of dynamic expression.
Rich in technical elements—contrasts of forte and piano, brilliant passagework, and more—it demands tight ensemble coordination, making it ideal for duet enthusiasts looking to deepen their collaborative skills.
Its dramatic arc, balancing strength and delicacy, also makes it a superb choice for recital performances.
Slavonic Dances, Book I: No. 2Antonín Dvořák
Slavonic Dance No.
2 in E minor, Allegretto scherzando (somewhat fast and cheerful).
This piece features calm, lyrical sections alongside playful, lively passages at a brisk tempo.
The piano four-hands performance is from a live concert by Mr.
Lukas and Mr.
Ivan Kransky.
Slavonic Dances, Series I: No. 4Antonín Dvořák
Slavonic Dance No.
4 in F major, Tempo di Minuetto (at the speed of a minuet).
A minuet conveys the sense of a relatively slow courtly dance.
It combines poised, affected sections with more brilliant passages.
Performed as a piano duo by Ms.
Gelwikh and Mr.
Gonzalez.
Slavonic Dances, Book I: No. 8Antonín Dvořák
Slavonic Dance No.
8 in G minor, Presto (very fast).
A fast-tempo furiant, featuring both powerful, dynamic passages and gracefully flowing sections, it is a passionate, vibrant, and highly captivating work.
Performed by I Pomeriggi Musicali, conducted by Gilberto Serembe.
Slavonic Dances, Series II No. 2 (No. 10)Antonín Dvořák
Slavonic Dance No.
10 in E minor, Allegretto grazioso (somewhat fast and graceful).
Its calm triple-meter, lyrical and elegant melody is very popular and has been featured on TV programs and commercials.
The piano four-hands performance is by Kosuke Kawaguchi and Tomoki Kawaguchi.
Cello Concerto, Second MovementAntonín Dvořák
Cello Concerto, Second Movement: Adagio ma non troppo (at a relaxed tempo, but not overly so).
It begins with a tranquil melody that is then passed to the solo cello.
The performance is by Norwegian cellist Truls Mørk, with the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra.