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 (41–50)
Piano Trio No. 4 “Dumky” in E minor, Op. 90Antonín Dvořák
Antonín Dvořák, the master of the Czech national school, composed the Piano Trio No.
4 in E minor, Op.
90, “Dumky,” a substantial six-movement work inspired by the melancholic Slavic folk genre known as the dumka.
Not only does the music vividly reflect his deep love for his homeland through its folk-inflected melodies and rhythms, but its freely unfolding ideas—unbound by classical conventions—are also striking.
A gem I highly recommend to anyone wishing to experience the very essence of Dvořák’s creative genius!
HumoresqueAntonín Dvořák
This is an elegant miniature in which the musical sensibilities of the composer’s native Czech Republic and his adopted United States are seamlessly fused.
The contrast between the lively, rhythmical main section and the somewhat wistful middle section is striking, and its graceful melody also carries elements of Bohemian folk music.
Completed during a summer holiday at home in 1894, the work combines brightness with profound emotion.
It has become widely beloved in Japan as well, being used as background music in Studio Ghibli’s short film “Ghiblies episode 2” and in “Chibi Maruko-chan,” among others.
There is also an arrangement for piano four hands, making it especially appealing in the way it lets two players share the joy of making music together.
Simple yet deeply moving, this piece is an excellent choice for those who wish to experience the wonder of music through duet playing.
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, 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.
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.