Antonin Dvorak

Whether you prefer symphonies, opera, concerti, chamber music, or vocal music, Antonin Dvorak (8 September 1841 – 1 May 1904) had something for everyone. Born in Bohemia, he was deeply influenced by the folk music and styles of Czech music and was one of the first Czech composers to be widely known outside of his own country. He won composition competitions and was touted by Brahms as one of the best new composers of the era. Brahms was influential in getting his own publisher to bring out Dvorak’s works.

Dvorak’s European career was illustrious over the course of his life and led to his being invited to be the director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York City from 1892 – 1895. It was here that he composed his most famous symphony, Symphony No 9 From the New World and his Cello Concerto in B minor. The summer of 1893 was spent in Spillville Iowa, a heavily Czech community, and he composed his String Quartet in F (American quartet).

Returning to Bohemia in 1895, Dvorak continued to compose and conduct. In 1900 he wrote his best known opera Rusalka. Based on a fairy tale that was similar to The Little Mermaid, Rusalka became successful in Czech areas and all over Europe. Rusalka, a water nymph, sings a “Song to the Moon,” hoping that the human prince she loves will hear and love her too. He does, but the story has no happily-ever-after ending. Here is the Russian soprano Anna Netrebko singing in silk and honey tones this lovely song. Enjoy!