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Lovely classics

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.

Dvořák’s Masterpieces: Popular Classical Music (31–40)

Finale (4th Movement) from Symphony No. 5Antonín Dvořák

Sinfonieorchester Basel & Kaspar Zehnder – A. Dvorak: Symphony No 5 F Major Op. 76: Finale
Finale (4th Movement) from Symphony No. 5Antonín Dvořák

“From Symphony No.

5, Fourth Movement” Allegro molto (fast, very).

Premiered in Prague in 1879.

It opens with a weighty and majestic introduction in the lower registers.

The performance is by the Basel Symphony Orchestra, based in Basel, Switzerland, conducted by Kaspar Zehnder.

Symphony No. 6, Fourth MovementAntonín Dvořák

Dvořák: Symphony no. 6, op. 60: IV. Finale. Allegro con spirito
Symphony No. 6, Fourth MovementAntonín Dvořák

From Symphony No.

6, Fourth Movement: Allegro con spirito (fast and lively).

This work was dedicated to Hans Richter, the Hungarian conductor who commissioned its composition.

Performed by the George Enescu Philharmonic, conducted by Alexander Walker.

From Symphony No. 7, First MovementAntonín Dvořák

From Symphony No.

7, Movement I: Allegro maestoso (fast, majestic, and dignified).

It begins with a dark melody, evoking a backdrop of turmoil and anxiety.

Conducted by Daniel Raiskin and performed by the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, recorded at the Concert Hall of Hong Kong City Hall.

From Symphony No. 7, Movement IIAntonín Dvořák

From Symphony No.

7, Movement II: Poco Adagio (somewhat slow).

A gentle melody flows from the opening clarinet to the other woodwinds and then to the strings, offering a moment of relief after the tense first movement.

The footage is from a concert by the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra.

Scherzo (3rd Movement) from Symphony No. 7Antonín Dvořák

Philharmonic – Dvořák – Symphony No. 7 in D minor – III – Scherzo-Vivace
Scherzo (3rd Movement) from Symphony No. 7Antonín Dvořák

From Symphony No.

7, Movement III: Scherzo – Vivace (lively and fast), Trio – Poco meno mosso (a little less quickly).

The rhythm, based on the Czech folk dance furiant in triple meter, is delightful.

Performed by the Northern Illinois University Symphony Orchestra.

From Symphony No. 8, First MovementAntonín Dvořák

From Symphony No.

8, First Movement: Allegro con brio (fast and lively).

The introduction begins slowly with a lyrical melody, after which the piece gradually progresses with increasing speed and variation, evoking the scenery flowing past a train window.

Performed by the Sapporo Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Hiroyuki Matsumoto.

Third Movement from Symphony No. 8Antonín Dvořák

“From Symphony No.

8, Movement III,” Allegretto grazioso, molto vivace (somewhat fast and graceful, very fast).

The wistful, sentimental melody and the flashes of strength between phrases make my heart ache.

The performance is by the amateur orchestra Maebashi Symphony Orchestra.

Symphony No. 9 “From the New World,” First MovementAntonín Dvořák

From Symphony No.

9, Movement I: Adagio, Allegro molto (slowly; very fast).

Composed by Dvořák during his stay in America, it is one of his more familiar works.

Performed by the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Petr Vronský.

Serenade for Strings, Op. 22 – I. MovementAntonín Dvořák

“Serenade for Strings, Op.

22 – I.

Moderato” (at a moderate tempo).

A pleasant work featuring a relaxed, warm melody interspersed with rhythmic passages.

Performed by the Arts Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Konstantin Maslyuk.

The sun sets behind the distant mountains.Antonín Dvořák

Dvořák’s Symphony No.

9 in E minor, “From the New World,” composed in 1893, was given lyrics and became established as a camp and recreational song.

The melody most often sung is from the beginning of the second movement.

It’s Dvořák’s ninth and final symphony.