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)
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.
Symphony No. 9 “From the New World,” Second MovementAntonín Dvořák
Symphony No.
9 “From the New World” is a representative work from the American period of the Czech composer Dvořák.
The subtitle “From the New World” reflects that Dvořák composed it while thinking of his homeland, Bohemia, from America.
The theme played by the English horn is very famous and has been given lyrics and arranged into songs such as “Going Home” and “Far Away on the Distant Mountain at Sunset,” which are beloved.
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.