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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Masterpieces by Dvořák: Popular Classical Music (1–10)
Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, B. 178 “From the New World,” 4th movementAntonín Dvořák
It’s the fourth movement of From the New World by the famed Czech composer Antonín Leopold Dvořák.
Once you hear the powerful strings in the intense introduction and the commanding horn and trumpet melody, you’ll never forget it.
That’s how impactful this classical masterpiece is.
Composed during Dvořák’s stay in America (1892–1895), it’s said to be a work created from the “New World” of America, directed toward his homeland of Bohemia.
Alongside Beethoven’s Symphony No.
5 in C minor (“Fate”) and Schubert’s Symphony No.
7 (formerly No.
8) in B minor (“Unfinished”), it is known as one of the “three great symphonies” and stands as a representative symphony of classical music.
Humoresque (Humoresky), Op. 101, B. 187, No. 7 in G-flat majorAntonín Dvořák
It was in 1894 that a masterpiece by Antonín Dvořák—one of the Czech Republic’s proud Romantic-era composers—came into being.
While incorporating elements of Czech folk music, Dvořák achieved international acclaim.
Carrying impressions from his stay in America, he completed this work during a summer holiday in his native Bohemia; it is characterized by its lively rhythms and accessible melodies.
It is said that Dvořák’s hobby as a railway enthusiast is reflected in the opening rhythm, which evokes the motion of a train.
Blending familiarity with a touch of melancholy, the piece has become a heartwarming favorite often used at weddings and other ceremonies.
Slavonic Dances, Book I: No. 3Antonín Dvořák
We present a selection of works by the great master of classical music, Antonín Dvořák.
While incorporating Czech folk music, Dvořák built a distinctive musical world.
His talent blossomed from an early age, and beginning with a public performance in Prague in 1872—and with the recommendation of German composer Johannes Brahms, counted among the three great Bs—he established an international reputation.
This piece is a lively work that showcases the characteristics of the Bohemian folk dance, the polka, while being enriched by Dvořák’s own original melodies.
Composed in 1878, it is beloved in both its piano four-hand and orchestral versions.
Offering a full taste of the charm of diverse Slavic dances, this work is also an excellent recommendation for newcomers to classical music.
From Symphony No. 8, Movement IVAntonín Dvořák
A wealth of masterpieces by Antonín Dvořák, the composer of works counted among the three great symphonies.
Among them, the fourth movement of Symphony No.
8 is a masterpiece that strongly reflects the natural beauty and folk elements of Bohemia.
Completed in 1889, the work opens with a powerful trumpet fanfare, followed by a theme introduced by the cellos that unfolds through a series of variations.
This piece conveys Dvořák’s deep affection for his homeland and is characterized by a bright, pastoral tone.
Its lively development, incorporating the rhythms and melodies of Czech folk dances, sets listeners’ hearts dancing and evokes images of Bohemian landscapes and everyday life.
It is a highly recommended piece for those looking to become familiar with classical music or seeking warm, heart-stirring music.
Slavonic Dances, Series II: No. 7 (No. 15)Antonín Dvořák
Antonín Dvořák, who left a brilliant mark on the history of classical music, was a Czech composer known for works that incorporated Slavic folk music.
One piece from the second set of his Slavonic Dances, composed in 1886, is based on the Croatian folk dance “kolo.” Characterized by its lively rhythms and bright melodies, it conveys the rich culture and passion of the Slavic peoples.
The work came into being with advice from Dvořák’s friend, Brahms.
These dance pieces, imbued with vivid Slavic color, helped raise Dvořák’s international profile.
String Quartet No. 13 in G major, Op. 106, B. 192: I. Allegro moderatoAntonín Dvořák
Following Antonín Leopold Dvořák’s String Quartet “American,” the work most often hailed as his greatest masterpiece is the String Quartet No.
13 in G major, Op.
106, B.
192.
Composed after Dvořák returned to Bohemia from a stay in America and took about half a year of rest, the piece was highly praised by music scholar John Clapham.
It has four movements and runs roughly 35 to 40 minutes.
The first movement is in G major and in sonata form, notable for its springing introduction and the cello’s descending line that seems to chase after it.
With a clearly defined theme, it’s an engaging, darkly cool piece.
It’s a work you should listen to alongside the String Quartet No.
12 “American.”
Wind Serenade: Movement IVAntonín Dvořák
Antonín Leopold Dvořák wrote two serenades in his thirties: one centered on strings, the Serenade for Strings, and the other focused on winds, the Serenade for Wind Instruments.
The piece being introduced here is the wind-centered serenade—a masterpiece that showcases the unique appeal of wind instruments, distinct from strings.
Movements I through III offer slow, beautiful timbres of the winds, while the fourth movement, marked Allegro molto, brims with propulsion and leaves an unforgettable impression after a single hearing.
Classical wind works have a resonance different from today’s wind band ensembles, making this a piece that wind band musicians and wind players in general should listen to and take on.