History Music / AntoninDvorak

His most popular work is by far Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 ("From the New World"). The sublime "Largo" ([[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYl4Xb4cDQ8 Listen here]]) from this symphony has become a popular StandardSnippet. He wrote the symphony while staying in the United States, during which he studied and admired African American spirituals. Many scholars have argued that the thematic materials of the symphony are in fact based on spirituals, though Dvořák always denied this. Music from the exciting and powerful [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yctfXIqugXc Allegro con fuoco ending movement]] of this symphony was later stolen by Music/JohnWilliams for use in ''Film/{{Jaws}}'', though these days it may be better known for its use in one of the climactic battles of the anime ''Manga/OnePiece''. Ironically, the use of the "Largo" in adverts by British bread manufacturer Hovis has led to be it being regarded as a leitmotif for [[OopNorth Yorkshire]] in the UK.[[note]] Never mind that the Hovis advertisement which first used the "Largo" was filmed on a hill in Dorset, on England's ''south'' coast![[/note]]

His most popular work is by far Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 ("From the New World"). The sublime "Largo" ([[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYl4Xb4cDQ8 Listen here]]) from this symphony has become a popular StandardSnippet. He wrote the symphony while staying in the United States, during which he studied and admired African American spirituals. Many scholars have argued that the thematic materials of the symphony are in fact based on spirituals, though Dvořák always denied this. Music from the exciting and powerful [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yctfXIqugXc Allegro con fuoco ending movement]] of this symphony was later stolen by Music/JohnWilliams for use in ''Film/{{Jaws}}'', though these days it may be better known for its use in one of the climatic battles of the anime ''Manga/OnePiece''. Ironically, the use of the "Largo" in adverts by British bread manufacturer Hovis has led to be it being regarded as a leitmotif for [[OopNorth Yorkshire]] in the UK.[[note]] Never mind that the Hovis advertisement which first used the "Largo" was filmed on a hill in Dorset, on England's ''south'' coast![[/note]]

* RealMenLoveJesus: Dvořák was a devout Catholic and saw his faith as the cornerstone on which he built his life and work. He composed many sacred works, like his Requiem; ''St. Ludmilla'', an oratorio about the Czech saint of the same name; and ''Biblical Songs'', which he composed for his consolation.

* RealMenLoveJesus: Dvořák was a devout Catholic and saw his faith as the cornerstone on which he built his life and work. He composed many sacred works, like his Requiem; ''St. Ludmilla'', an oratorio about the Czech saint of the same name; and ''Biblical Songs'', which he composed for his consolation.

Of the 10 {{opera}}s Dvořák wrote, only ''Theatre/{{Rusalka}}'', Op.114, first performed in 1901, has found modern day success. Essentially, ''Theatre/{{Rusalka}}'' is a Slavic version of "Literature/TheLittleMermaid", where our heroine Rusalka is a Czech water sprite who lives in a lake instead of an ocean (there being no oceans in Bohemia, of course). Falling in love with a human prince, Rusalka wishes to become human, and goes to the Witch in order to do so. The Witch demands that Rusalka must give up her voice, and this being an opera we know this is a terrible thing to do. The Prince quickly becomes disenchanted with the mute Rusalka, falling instead in love with the evil, manipulative Foreign Princess. This being an opera, there is no happy ending. Betrayed, Rusalka returns to her lake, but refuses the option to undo everything by killing the Prince, so she becomes a vengeful spirit of death. The Prince arrives. He and Rusalka sing a ravishing love duet, at the end of which they kiss, the Prince accepting the kiss of death from her as his penance. The Prince indeed dies, and Rusalka returns to the lake, lost forever to her family in the lake.

Of the 10 {{opera}}s Dvořák wrote, only ''Theatre/{{Rusalka}}'', Op.114, first performed in 1901, has found modern day success. Essentially, ''Theatre/{{Rusalka}}'' is a Slavic version of "Literature/TheLittleMermaid", where our heroine Rusalka is a Czech water sprite who lives in a lake instead of an ocean (there being no oceans in Bohemia, of course). Falling in love with a human prince, Rusalka wishes to become human, and goes to the Witch in order to do so. The Witch demands that Rusalka must give up her voice, and this being an opera we know this is a terrible thing to do. The Prince quickly becomes disenchanted with the mute Rusalka, falling instead in love with the evil, manipulative Foreign Princess. This being an opera, there is no happy ending. Betrayed, Rusalka returns to her lake, but refuses the option to undo everything by killing the Prince, so she becomes a vengeful spirit of death. The Prince arrives. He and Rusalka sing a ravishing love duet, at the end of which they kiss, the Prince accepts the kiss of death from her as his penance. The Prince indeed dies, and Rusalka returns to the lake, lost forever to her family in the lake.

Of the 10 {{opera}}s Dvořák wrote, only ''Theatre/{{Rusalka}}'', Op.114, first performed in 1901, has found modern day success. Essentially, ''Theatre/{{Rusalka}}'' is a Slavic version of "Literature/TheLittleMermaid", where our heroine Rusalka is a Czech water sprite who lives in a lake instead of an ocean (there being no oceans in Bohemia, of course). Falling in love with a human prince, Rusalka wishes to become human, and goes to the Witch in order to do so. The Witch demands that Rusalka must give up her voice, and this being an opera we know this is a terrible thing to do. The Prince quickly becomes disenchanted with the mute Rusalka, falling instead in love with the evil, manipulative Foreign Princess. This being an opera, there is no happy ending. Betrayed, Rusalka returns to her lake. The Prince arrives. He and Rusalka sing a ravishing love duet, at the end of which they kiss. The Prince dies, and Rusalka returns to the lake, now a vengeful spirit of death.

* StandardSnippet: Several examples. The English horn melody from the second movement of the Symphony No. 9 in E minor ("From the New World") was turned into the Black spiritual-influenced song "Goin' Home" (lyrics added by Dvořák's student Music/WilliamArmsFisher), while the fourth movement of the same symphony became synonymous with "The Ring General" Wrestling/{{Walter}}. The main melody to the Humoresque No. 7 for piano solo has often been used in [[MickeyMousing cartoons and similar popular media]] to depict lighthearted insouciant moods, most notably as Slappy Squirrel's theme from ''WesternAnimation/{{Animaniacs}}''; it also acquired [[SongParody humorous lyrics]] that were widely quoted back in the 1930s and 40s regarding passenger train toilets: "Passengers will please refrain from flushing toilets while the train is standing still within the station house."

* StandardSnippet: Several examples. The English horn melody from the second movement of the Symphony No. 9 in E minor ("From the New World") was turned into the Black spiritual-influenced song "Goin' Home" (lyrics added by Dvořák's student Music/WilliamArmsFisher). The main melody to the Humoresque No. 7 for piano solo has often been used in [[MickeyMousing cartoons and similar popular media]] to depict lighthearted insouciant moods, most notably as Slappy Squirrel's theme from ''WesternAnimation/{{Animaniacs}}''; it also acquired [[SongParody humorous lyrics]] that were widely quoted back in the 1930s and 40s regarding passenger train toilets: "Passengers will please refrain from flushing toilets while the train is standing still within the station house."

* RealMenLoveJesus: Dvořák was a devout Catholic and saw his faith as the cornerstone on which he built his life and work. He composed many sacred works, like his Requiem, ''St. Ludmilla'', an oratorio about the Czech saint of the same name; and ''Biblical Songs'', which he composed for his consolation.

* RealMenLoveJesus: Dvořák was a devout Catholic and saw his faith as the cornerstone on which he built his life and work. He composed many sacred works, like his ''Requiem'', ''St. Ludmilla'', an oratorio about the Czech saint of the same name; and ''Biblical Songs'', which he composed for his consolation.

* TravelogueShow: Or travelogue piece in this case. Dvořák was named director of the [[UsefulNotes/NationalConservatoryOfMusic National Conservatory of Music]] in UsefulNotes/NewYorkCity, serving in that capacity from 1892 to 1895. While living there, he spent significant time discovering American music, especially that by African-Americans. Several of his compositions from the time show this influence, most notably his Symphony No. 9 in E minor ("From the New World" and the String Quartet No. 12 in F major ("American"). Dvorak also wrote several solo piano works based on Polish dances such as the mazurka and polonaise.

Antonín Dvořák (to avoid possible embarrassment, it's D(ə)-VOR-zha(h)k, not Dvor-rak) (8 September 1841 -- 1 May 1904). The most famous of Czech composers, Dvořák's musical idiom is infused with the traditions of his native Bohemia. In addition to this musical nationalism, Dvořák also exemplified many other characteristics of the late Romantic period, including writing for large orchestras, lush melodies, and powerful, emotional climaxes. The influence of Creator/JohannesBrahms shows on Dvořák in that Dvořák declined to assign programs to his symphonies and often used classical forms. On the other hand, the Wagnerian influence also strongly manifests itself in Dvořák, especially in the tone poems and operas. Dvořák, a prolific composer, created works in almost all genres. These include 9 symphonies, a piano, cello and violin concerto, 10 operas, numerous religious works, 14 string quartets and other chamber works, and many attractive small scale pieces like the Slavonic Dances. These 16 short pieces based on Bohemian folk tunes helped launch Dvořák's career and were inspired by Brahms's similar Hungarian Dances.

His most popular work is by far Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 (''From the New World''). The sublime "Largo" ([[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYl4Xb4cDQ8 Listen here]]) from this symphony has become a popular StandardSnippet. He wrote the symphony while staying in the United States, during which he studied and admired African American spirituals. Many scholars have argued that the themes of the "Largo" are in fact based on spirituals, though Dvořák always denied this. Music from the exciting and powerful [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yctfXIqugXc Allegro con fuoco ending movement]] of this symphony was later stolen by Music/JohnWilliams for use in ''Film/{{Jaws}}'', though these days it may be better known for its use in one of the climatic battles of the anime ''Manga/OnePiece''. Ironically, the use of the "Largo" in adverts by British bread manufacturer Hovis has led to be it being regarded as a leitmotif for [[OopNorth Yorkshire]] in the UK.[[note]] Never mind that the Hovis advertisement which first used the "Largo" was filmed on a hill in Dorset, on England's ''south'' coast![[/note]]

Of the 10 {{opera}}s Dvořák wrote, only ''Rusalka'', Op.114, first performed in 1901, has found modern day success. Essentially, ''Rusalka'' is a Slavic version of "Literature/TheLittleMermaid", where our heroine Rusalka is a Czech water sprite who lives in a lake instead of an ocean (there being no oceans in Bohemia, of course). Falling in love with a human prince, Rusalka wishes to become human, and goes to the Witch in order to do so. The Witch demands that Rusalka must give up her voice, and this being an opera we know this is a rather terrible thing to do. The Prince quickly becomes disenchanted with the mute Rusalka, falling instead in love with the evil, manipulative Foreign Princess. This being an opera, there is no happy ending. Betrayed, Rusalka returns to her lake. The Prince arrives. He and Rusalka sing a ravishing love duet, at the end of which they kiss. The Prince dies, and Rusalka returns to the lake, now a vengeful spirit of death.

Dvořák's music has an immediately attractive, deep soulful quality that has made him one of the most popular composers. One of the last composers of the Romantic era, he contributed immeasurably to the world's treasure of music. Dvořák's salient feature, the characteristic that makes him beloved today, was his magical talent for creating very many very beautiful melodies. Perhaps only Music/PyotrIlyichTchaikovsky can be said to equal Dvořák in this respect.

* StandardSnippet: Several examples. The English horn melody from the second movement of the ''[[Music/SymphonyNoNineInEMinor Symphony No. 9 in E minor ("From the New World")]]'' was turned into the Black spiritual-influenced song "Goin' Home" (lyrics added by Dvořák's student Music/WilliamArmsFisher). The main melody to the ''[[Music/HumoresqueNoSeven Humoresque No. 7]]'' for piano solo has often been used in [[MickeyMousing cartoons and similar popular media]] to depict lighthearted insouciant moods, most notably as Slappy Squirrel's theme from ''WesternAnimation/{{Animaniacs}}''; it also acquired [[SongParody humorous lyrics]] that were widely quoted back in the 1930s and 40s regarding passenger train toilets: "Passengers will please refrain from flushing toilets while the train is standing still within the station house."
* TravelogueShow: Or travelogue piece in this case. Dvořák was named director of the [[UsefulNotes/NationalConservatoryOfMusic National Conservatory of Music]] in UsefulNotes/NewYorkCity, serving in that capacity from 1892 to 1895. While living there, he spent significant time discovering American music, especially that by African-Americans. Several of his compositions from the time show this influence, most notably his ''[[Music/SymphonyNoNineInEMinor Symphony No. 9 in E minor ("From the New World")]]'' and the ''[[Music/StringQuartetNoTwelveInFMajor String Quartet No. 12 in F major ("American")]]''. Dvorak also wrote several solo piano works based on Polish dances such as the mazurka and polonaise.

* StandardSnippet: Several examples. The English horn melody from the second movement of the ''[[Music/SymphonyNoNineInEMinor Symphony No. 9 in E minor ("From the New World")]]'' was turned into the Black spiritual-influenced song "Goin' Home" (lyrics added by Dvořák's student Music/WilliamArmsFisher). The main melody to the ''Music/HumoresqueNoSeven Humoresque No. 7'' for piano solo has often been used in [[MickeyMousing cartoons and similar popular media]] to depict lighthearted insouciant moods, most notably as Slappy Squirrel's theme from ''WesternAnimation/{{Animaniacs}}''; it also acquired [[SongParody humorous lyrics]] that were widely quoted back in the 1930s and 40s regarding passenger train toilets: "Passengers will please refrain from flushing toilets while the train is standing still within the station house."

* TravelogueShow: Or travelogue piece in this case. Dvořák was named director of the [[UsefulNotes/NationalConservatoryOfMusic National Conservatory of Music]] in UsefulNotes/NewYorkCity, serving in that capacity from 1892 to 1895. While living there, he spent significant time discovering American music, especially that by African-Americans. Several of his compositions from the time show this influence, most notably his ''[[Music/SymphonyNoNineInEMinor Symphony No. 9 in E minor ("From the New World")]]'' and the ''[[Music/StringQuartetNoTwelveInFMajor String Quartet No. 12 in F major ("American")]]''. Dvorak also wrote several solo piano works based on Polish dances such as the mazurka and polonaise.

* TravelogueShow: Or travelogue piece in this case. Dvořák was named director of the [[UsefulNotes/NationalConservatoryOfMusic National Conservatory of Music]] in UsefulNotes/NewYorkCity, serving in that capacity from 1892 to 1895. While living there, he spent significant time discovering American music, especially that by African-Americans. Several of his compositions from the time show this influence, most notably his ''[[Music/SymphonyNoNineInEMinor Symphony No. 9 in E minor ("From the New World")]]'' and the ''[[Music/StringQuartetNoTwelveInFMajor String Quartet No. 12 in F major ("American")]]''.

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His most popular work is by far Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 (''From the New World''). The sublime "Largo" ([[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYl4Xb4cDQ8 Listen here]]) from this symphony has become a popular StandardSnippet. He wrote the symphony while staying in the United States, during which he studied and admired African American spirituals. Many scholars have argued that the themes of the "Largo" are in fact based on spirituals, though Dvořák always denied this. Music from the exciting and powerful [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yctfXIqugXc Allegro con fuoco ending movement]] of this symphony was later stolen by Music/JohnWilliams for use in ''Film/{{Jaws}}''. Ironically, the use of the "Largo" in adverts by British bread manufacturer Hovis has led to be it being regarded as a leitmotif for [[OopNorth Yorkshire]] in the UK.[[note]] Never mind that the Hovis advertisement which first used the "Largo" was filmed on a hill in Dorset, on England's ''south'' coast![[/note]]

Antonín Dvořák (to avoid possible embarrassment, it's D(ə)-VOR-zha(h)k, not Dvor-rak) (8 September 1841 -- 1 May 1904). The most famous of Czech composers, Dvořák's musical idiom is infused with the traditions of his native Bohemia. In addition to this musical nationalism, Dvořák also exemplified many other characteristics of the late Romantic period, including writing for large orchestras, lush melodies, and powerful, emotional climaxes. The influence of Creator/JohannesBrahms shows on Dvořák in that Dvořák declined to assign programs to his symphonies and often used classical forms. On the other hand, the Wagnerian influence also strongly manifests itself in Dvořák, especially in the tone poems and operas. Dvořák, a prolific composer, created works in almost all genres. These include 9 symphonies, a piano, cello and violin concerto, 10 operas, numerous religious works, several string quartets and other chamber works, and many attractive small scale pieces like the Slavonic Dances. These 16 short pieces based on Bohemian folk tunes helped launch Dvořák's career and were inspired by Brahms's similar Hungarian Dances.

The most popular of Dvořák's works is by far Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, ''From the New World''. The sublime "Largo" ([[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYl4Xb4cDQ8 Listen here]]) from this symphony has become a popular StandardSnippet. He wrote the symphony while staying in the United States, during which he studied and admired African American spirituals. Many scholars have argued that the themes of the "Largo" are in fact based on spirituals, though Dvořák always denied this. Music from the exciting and powerful [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yctfXIqugXc Allegro con fuoco ending movement]] of this symphony was later stolen by Music/JohnWilliams for use in ''Film/{{Jaws}}''. Ironically, the use of the "Largo" in adverts by British bread manufacturer Hovis has led to be it being regarded as a leitmotif for [[OopNorth Yorkshire]] in the UK.[[note]] Never mind that the Hovis advertisement which first used the "Largo" was filmed on a hill in Dorset, on England's ''south'' coast![[/note]]

The most popular of Dvořák's works is by far the Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, ''From the New World''. The sublime "Largo" ([[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYl4Xb4cDQ8 Listen here]]) from this symphony has become a popular StandardSnippet. He wrote the symphony while staying in the United States, during which he studied and admired African American spirituals. Many scholars have argued that the themes of the "Largo" are in fact based on spirituals, though Dvořák always denied this. Music from the exciting and powerful [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yctfXIqugXc Allegro con fuoco ending movement]] of this symphony was later stolen by Music/JohnWilliams for use in ''Film/{{Jaws}}''. Ironically, the use of the "Largo" in adverts by British bread manufacturer Hovis has led to be it being regarded as a leitmotif for [[OopNorth Yorkshire]] in the UK.[[note]] Never mind that the Hovis advertisement which first used the "Largo" was filmed on a hill in Dorset, on England's ''south'' coast![[/note]]

Of the 10 {{opera}}s Dvořák wrote, only ''Rusalka'', Op.114, first performed in 1901, has found modern day success. Essentially, ''Rusalka'' is a Slavic version of "Literature/TheLittleMermaid", where our heroine Rusalka is a Czech water sprite who lives in a lake instead of an ocean (there being no oceans in Bohemia, of course). Falling in love with a human prince, Rusalka wishes to become human, and goes to the Witch in order to do so. The Witch demands that Rusalka must give up her voice, and this being an opera we know this is a rather terrible thing to do. The Prince quickly becomes disenchanted with the mute Rusalka, falling instead in love with the evil, manipulative Foreign Princess. This being an opera, there is no happy ending. Betrayed, Rusalka returns to her lake. The Prince arrives. He and Rusalka sing a ravishing love duet, at the end of which they kiss. The Prince dies, and Rusalka returns to the lake, a vengeful spirit of death.

Antonín Dvořák (to avoid possible embarrassment, it's D(ə)-VOR-zha(h)k, not Dvor-rak) (8 September 1841 -- 1 May 1904). The most famous of Czech composers, Dvořák's musical idiom is infused with the traditions of his native Bohemia. In addition to this musical nationalism, Dvořák also exemplified many other characteristics of the late Romantic period, including writing for large orchestras, lush melodies, and powerful, emotional climaxes. The influence of Music/JohannesBrahms shows on Dvořák in that Dvořák declined to assign programs to his symphonies and often used classical forms. On the other hand, the Wagnerian influence also strongly manifests itself in Dvořák, especially in the tone poems and operas. Dvořák, a prolific composer, created works in almost all genres. These include 9 symphonies, a piano, cello and violin concerto, 10 operas, numerous religious works, several string quartets and other chamber works, and many attractive small scale pieces like the Slavonic Dances. These 16 short pieces based on Bohemian folk tunes helped launch Dvořák's career and were inspired by Brahms's similar Hungarian Dances.

Antonín Dvořák (to avoid possible embarrassment, it's d(ə)-VOR-zha(h)k, not Dvor-rak) (8 September 1841 -- 1 May 1904). The most famous of Czech composers, Dvořák's musical idiom is infused with the traditions of his native Bohemia. In addition to this musical nationalism, Dvořák also exemplified many other characteristics of the late Romantic period, including writing for large orchestras, lush melodies, and powerful, emotional climaxes. The influence of Music/JohannesBrahms shows on Dvořák in that Dvořák declined to assign programs to his symphonies and often used classical forms. On the other hand, the Wagnerian influence also strongly manifests itself in Dvořák, especially in the tone poems and operas. Dvořák, a prolific composer, created works in almost all genres. These include 9 symphonies, a piano, cello and violin concerto, 10 operas, numerous religious works, several string quartets and other chamber works, and many attractive small scale pieces like the Slavonic Dances. These 16 short pieces based on Bohemian folk tunes helped launch Dvořák's career and were inspired by Brahms's similar Hungarian Dances.

By far the most popular of Dvořák's works is the Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, ''From the New World''. The sublime "Largo" ([[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYl4Xb4cDQ8 Listen here]]) from this symphony has become a popular StandardSnippet. He wrote the symphony while staying in the United States, during which he studied and admired African American spirituals. Many scholars have argued that the themes of the "Largo" are in fact based on spirituals, though Dvořák always denied this. Music from the exciting and powerful [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yctfXIqugXc Allegro con fuoco ending movement]] of this symphony was later stolen by Music/JohnWilliams for use in ''Film/{{Jaws}}''. Ironically, the use of the "Largo" in adverts by British bread manufacturer Hovis has led to be it being regarded as a leitmotif for [[OopNorth Yorkshire]] in the UK.[[note]] Never mind that the Hovis advertisement which first used the "Largo" was filmed on a hill in Dorset, on England's ''south'' coast![[/note]]

Antonín Dvořák (to avoid possible embarrassment, it's Dvo-zhak, not Dvor-rak) (8 September 1841 -- 1 May 1904). The most famous of Czech composers, Dvořák's musical idiom is infused with the traditions of his native Bohemia. In addition to this musical nationalism, Dvořák also exemplified many other characteristics of the late Romantic period, including writing for large orchestras, lush melodies, and powerful, emotional climaxes. The influence of Music/JohannesBrahms shows on Dvořák in that Dvořák declined to assign programs to his symphonies and often used classical forms. On the other hand, the Wagnerian influence also strongly manifests itself in Dvořák, especially in the tone poems and operas. Dvořák, a prolific composer, created works in almost all genres. These include 9 symphonies, a piano, cello and violin concerto, 10 operas, numerous religious works, several string quartets and other chamber works, and many attractive small scale pieces like the Slavonic Dances. These 16 short pieces based on Bohemian folk tunes helped launch Dvořák's career and were inspired by Brahms's similar Hungarian Dances.

By far the most popular of Dvořák's works is the Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, "From the New World." The sublime "Largo" ([[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYl4Xb4cDQ8 Listen here]]) from this symphony has become a popular StandardSnippet. Dvořák wrote the symphony while staying in the United States, during which he studied and admired African American spirituals. Many scholars have argued that the themes of the "Largo" are in fact based on spirituals, though Dvořák always denied this. Music from the exciting and powerful [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yctfXIqugXc last movement]] of this symphony was later stolen by Music/JohnWilliams for use in ''Film/{{Jaws}}''. Ironically, the use of the "Largo" in adverts by British bread manufacturer Hovis has led to be it being regarded as a leitmotif for [[OopNorth Yorkshire]] in the UK.[[note]] Never mind that the Hovis advertisement which first used the "Largo" was filmed on a hill in Dorset, on England's ''south'' coast![[/note]]

Dvořák's other two popular symphonies are Symphony No. 7 in D minor of 1885, Op. 70 and Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88. The latter contains another one of Dvořák's lovely slow movements. All of Dvořák's symphonies are worth checking out, those the last three are the ones most often performed and recorded.

Dvořák's Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104 is arguably the greatest work for that instrument. Dvořák again wrote this work while in America. The Piano Concerto in G minor, Op. 33 and Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 53 are both excellent, attractive pieces, though not as distinguished as the cello concerto.

By far the most popular of Dvořák's works is the Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, "From the New World." The sublime "Largo" ([[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYl4Xb4cDQ8 Listen here]]) from this symphony has become a popular StandardSnippet. Dvořák wrote the symphony while staying in the United States, during which he studied and admired African American spirituals. Many scholars have argued that the themes of the "Largo" are in fact based on spirituals, though Dvořák always denied this. Music from the exciting and powerful [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yctfXIqugXc last movement]] of this symphony was later stolen by Music/JohnWilliams for use in ''Film/{{Jaws}}''. Ironically, the use of the "Largo" in adverts by British bread manufacturer Hovis has led to be it being regarded as a leitmotif for [[OopNorth Yorkshire]] in the UK.[[note]] Never mind that the Hovis advertisement which first used the "Largo" was filmed on a hill in Dorset, on England's ''south'' coast![[/note]]

Antonín Dvořák (to avoid possible embarrassment, it's Dvo-zhak, not Dvor-rak) (8 September 1841 –- 1 May 1904). The most famous of Czech composers, Dvořák's musical idiom is infused with the traditions of his native Bohemia. In addition to this musical nationalism, Dvořák also exemplified many other characteristics of the late Romantic period, including writing for large orchestras, lush melodies, and powerful, emotional climaxes. The influence of Music/JohannesBrahms shows on Dvořák in that Dvořák declined to assign programs to his symphonies and often used classical forms. On the other hand, the Wagnerian influence also strongly manifests itself in Dvořák, especially in the tone poems and operas. Dvořák, a prolific composer, created works in almost all genres. These include 9 symphonies, a piano, cello and violin concerto, 10 operas, numerous religious works, several string quartets and other chamber works, and many attractive small scale pieces like the Slavonic Dances. These 16 short pieces based on Bohemian folk tunes helped launch Dvořák's career and were inspired by Brahms's similar Hungarian Dances.

By far the most popular of Dvořák's works is the Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, "From the New World." The sublime "Largo" ([[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYl4Xb4cDQ8 Listen here]]) from this symphony has become a popular StandardSnippet. Dvořák wrote the symphony while staying in the United States, during which Dvořák studied and admired African American spirituals. Many scholars have argued that the themes of the "Largo" are in fact based on spirituals, though Dvořák always denied this. Music from the exciting and powerful [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yctfXIqugXc last movement]] of this symphony was later stolen by Music/JohnWilliams for use in ''Film/{{Jaws}}''. Ironically, the use of the "Largo" in adverts by British bread manufacturer Hovis has led to be it being regarded as a leitmotif for [[OopNorth Yorkshire]] in the UK.[[note]] Never mind that the Hovis advertisement which first used the "Largo" was filmed on a hill in Dorset, on England's ''south'' coast![[/note]]

Dvořák's other two popular symphonies are Symphony No. 7 in D minor of 1885, Op. 70 and Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88. The latter contains another one of Dvorak's lovely slow movements. All of Dvořák's symphonies are worth checking out, those the last three are the ones most often performed and recorded.

Of the 10 {{opera}}s Dvořák wrote, only "Rusalka," Op.114, first performed in 1901, has found modern day success. Essentially, "Rusalka" is a Slavic version of "Literature/TheLittleMermaid", where our heroine Rusalka is a Czech water sprite who lives in a lake instead of an ocean (there being no oceans in Bohemia, of course). Falling in love with a human prince, Rusalka wishes to become human, and goes to the Witch in order to do so. The Witch demands that Rusalka must give up her voice, and this being an opera we know this is a rather terrible thing to do. The Prince quickly becomes disenchanted with the mute Rusalka, falling instead in love with the evil, manipulative Foreign Princess. This being an opera, there is no happy ending. Betrayed, Rusalka returns to her lake. The Prince arrives. He and Rusalka sing a ravishing love duet, at the end of which they kiss. The Prince dies, and Rusalka returns to the lake, a vengeful spirit of death.

The opera shows the influence of Music/RichardWagner regarding subject, themes, and music. Dvořák employed a story from his national mythology, and likewise focused on overwhelming passionate love and betrayal ending in orgasmic death. Musically, the opera shows Wagner's influence in using {{leitmotif}}s, evocative nature portraits, and sensual love duets. The most famous music from the opera is Rusalka's "Song to the Moon." You can listen to the lovely Renee Fleming sing it [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1PMzQ8PuCo here.]] This aria is featured in the movie Film/DrivingMissDaisy.

Dvořák's music has an immediately attractive, deep soulful quality that has made him one of the most popular composers. One of the last composers of the Romantic era, he contributed immeasurably to the world's treasure of music. Dvorak's salient feature, the characteristic that makes him beloved today, was his magical talent for creating very many very beautiful melodies. Perhaps only Music/PyotrIlyichTchaikovsky can be said to equal Dvorak in this respect.

'''Antonín Dvořák''' (to avoid possible embarrassment, it's Dvo-zhak, not Dvor-rak) (8 September 1841 –- 1 May 1904). The most famous of Czech composers, Dvořák's musical idiom is infused with the traditions of his native Bohemia. In addition to this musical nationalism, Dvořák also exemplified many other characteristics of the late Romantic period, including writing for large orchestras, lush melodies, and powerful, emotional climaxes. The influence of Music/JohannesBrahms shows on Dvořák in that Dvořák declined to assign programs to his symphonies and often used classical forms. On the other hand, the Wagnerian influence also strongly manifests itself in Dvořák, especially in the tone poems and operas. Dvořák, a prolific composer, created works in almost all genres. These include 9 symphonies, a piano, cello and violin concerto, 10 operas, numerous religious works, several string quartets and other chamber works, and many attractive small scale pieces like the Slavonic Dances. These 16 short pieces based on Bohemian folk tunes helped launch Dvořák's career and were inspired by Brahms's similar Hungarian Dances.

Of the 10 {{opera}}s Dvořák wrote, only "Rusalka," Op.114, first performed in 1901, has found modern day success. Essentially, "Rusalka" is a Slavic version of "Literature/TheLittleMermaid", where our heroine Rusalka is a Czech water sprite who lives in a lake instead of an ocean (there being no oceans in Bohemia, of course). Fans of the Disney movie will recognize the basic outlines of the story. Falling in love with a human prince, Rusalka wishes to become human, and goes to the Witch in order to do so. As in the movie, Rusalka must give up her voice, and this being an opera we know this is a rather terrible thing to do. The Prince quickly becomes disenchanted with the mute Rusalka, falling instead in love with the evil, manipulative Foreign Princess. This being an opera, there is no happy ending. Betrayed, Rusalka returns to her lake. The Prince arrives. He and Rusalka sing a ravishing love duet, at the end of which they kiss. The Prince dies, and Rusalka returns to the lake, a vengeful spirit of death. This tragic denouement has always seemed to be much more in line with the general direction of the story, a tale of innocence destroyed, than the happy ending grafted on by Disney.