Antonín Dvorák

Short biography Antonín Dvořák was born on 8 September 1841 in Nelahozeves (Bohemia), the son of an innkeeper and butcher. He received his first musical training in Zlonice and subsequently studied at the Prague Organ School from 1857 to 1859. He then worked as a viola player in the orchestra of the Prague Provisional Theatre before devoting himself increasingly to composition. A decisive boost to his career came from Johannes Brahms, who championed the dissemination of his works. From 1892 to 1895 Dvořák served as Director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York, before returning to Bohemia. He died on 1 May 1904 in Prague.

Historical placement Dvořák ranks among the most important representatives of Romantic music and is one of the principal exponents of Czech nationalism in the music of the 19th century. His style combines the formal language of German Classicism and Romanticism with elements of Bohemian and Slavic folk music. With his Slawische Tänze and his symphonic output he achieved international recognition and made a substantial contribution to establishing an independent Czech art music. During his time in America he also engaged with African-American music and spirituals, an influence that found its most notable expression in the symphony 'Aus der Neuen Welt'.

Personal connections Johannes Brahms was a decisive patron of Dvořák and recommended his works to the publisher Fritz Simrock. Hans von Bülow supported Dvořák as a conductor and championed performances of his works. The distinguished violinist Josef Joachim maintained artistic ties with Dvořák and took part in performances of his chamber music. Leoš Janáček was a pupil of Dvořák and a celebrated Czech composer. Oskar Nedbal, composer and conductor, was likewise a pupil of Dvořák at the Prague Conservatoire.

Important works

Sinfonie Nr. 9 e-Moll „Aus der Neuen Welt" – symphony (op. 95 / B. 178, 1893)
Sinfonie Nr. 8 G-Dur – symphony (op. 88 / B. 163, 1889)
Slawische Tänze – orchestral pieces (op. 46 and op. 72, 1878 / 1886)
Streichquartett Nr. 12 F-Dur „Amerikanisches" – chamber music (op. 96 / B. 179, 1893)
Cellokonzert h-Moll – concerto (op. 104 / B. 191, 1895)
Stabat Mater – oratorio (op. 58 / B. 71, 1877)
Rusalka – opera (op. 114 / B. 203, 1901)
Violinkonzert a-Moll – concerto (op. 53 / B. 108, 1879)
Klaviertrio f-Moll „Dumky" – chamber music (op. 90 / B. 166, 1891)
Biblische Lieder – song cycle (op. 99 / B. 185, 1894)