Dvořák’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.

Symphony No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 4 — complete movementsAntonín Dvořák

Dvořák: Symphony No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 4 / Václav Neumann conducting the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, 1987

Composed in 1865 by the 24-year-old Antonín Dvořák and imbued with the feelings of his first love, this work is a grand symphony in four movements that brims with musical richness throughout.

Brimming with the passions and emotions of his youth, it showcases Dvořák’s gift as a melodic craftsman to the fullest.

Highlights include the beautifully nocturne-like second movement and the elegant, minuet-like third movement.

The premiere took place on March 11, 1888, performed in Prague by the National Theatre Orchestra.

This is a highly recommended piece for those who wish to understand Dvořák’s development and his inner emotional world.

From Symphony No. 7, Movement IVAntonín Dvořák

Dvořák: Symphony No. 7 / Netopil · Berliner Philharmoniker

Here is a wonderful orchestral work by Antonín Dvořák that rivals his Symphony No.

9 “From the New World.” Completed in March 1885, it was composed on commission from the London Philharmonic Society.

Rich in folk elements and dramatic expression, it is grounded in the Czech nationalist movement and patriotic sentiment.

Dvořák’s inner passion and longing for his homeland are expressed musically, leaving a powerful impression on listeners.

Among Dvořák’s symphonies, this work is particularly highly regarded, fusing Czech folk characteristics with the impassioned expression of Romantic music.

It is recommended not only for classical music enthusiasts, but also for anyone who enjoys dramatic music.

Second Movement from Symphony No. 8Antonín Dvořák

Dvořák Symphony No. 8, Op. 88, Movement II

This piece was composed in 1889 at his country retreat by the Czech composer Antonín Dvořák, who dearly loved the natural beauty of his native Bohemia.

The second movement seems almost to paint a pastoral landscape: it opens with a gentle cello melody, followed by the horns singing a grand theme.

What’s striking is how, within the tranquil atmosphere, the shifting moods of nature and the subtleties of human emotion are delicately expressed.

It’s a masterpiece overflowing with Dvořák’s love for his homeland—so much so that it helped inspire the emergence of the Bohemian school, which sought to balance national and regional character with international standards.

Overture ‘The Hussites’, Op. 67, B. 132Antonín Dvořák

Dvořák: “Hussite” Overture, Op. 67, B 132 (with Score)

This piece, completed in 1883, portrays the Czech religious reformer Jan Hus and his supporters.

It incorporates two chorales familiar to the Czech people and richly weaves in elements of folk music.

Characterized by a weighty, solemn atmosphere, its orchestral sonorities are magnificent.

This work is a masterpiece in which Antonín Dvořák’s patriotism toward the Czech lands and his musical genius are beautifully fused.

It’s recommended not only for those interested in Czech history and culture, but also for fans of Romantic-era music.

Serenade for Strings, Op. 22: IV. MovementAntonín Dvořák

Dvořák: Serenade for strings E Major, Op. 22 – IV Larghetto

Known as one of the finest melody-makers in the classical world, Antonín Dvořák’s works are a veritable treasure chest of classical music.

Composed in 1875, this five-movement piece for string ensemble showcases Dvořák’s talents to the fullest.

Written in just eleven days, it seems to reflect the happiness that filled the 33-year-old composer’s life at the time.

The slow movement, marked by flowing melodies and sweet, lyrical phrases, evokes an atmosphere of tranquility and longing.

Often mentioned alongside the works of Tchaikovsky and Elgar, this masterpiece reveals Dvořák’s rich sensibility and musical genius.

It is highly recommended for those who wish to savor classical music more deeply.

Serenade for Strings, Op. 22: II. MovementAntonín Dvořák

Dvorak Serenade for Strings, mvt. 2 by Stringendo’s Vivace

Composed in 1875, the second movement of the Serenade for Strings features a graceful waltz atmosphere and a hauntingly beautiful melody.

At the time, the 33-year-old Antonín Dvořák had secured financial stability through an Austrian government scholarship and is said to have completed the work in just eleven days.

Though understated and refined, with an elusive tinge of melancholy, it is written with a rhythm that seems to dance lightly under a clear blue sky, showcasing Dvořák’s gifts as a melodist to the fullest.

Even those unfamiliar with classical music can enjoy its approachable and engaging character.

Symphonic Poem “Water Spirit,” Op. 107Antonín Dvořák

Dvořák – The Water Goblin

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.