Born: 1841, Nelahozeves, Bohemia
Died: 1904, Prague, Bohemia

"To have a fine idea is nothing special…. But to develop the idea well and make something great of it, that is the hardest part - that is art!"

As a Czech musician in a Germano-centric world, Dvorák struggled at first for recognition and even a living. Brahms championed him, however, and ultimately Dvorák became an international celebrity, particularly beloved in England and the United States. He is best known today for his sweeping orchestral and characterful chamber music, rooted in the rhythms of Czech folk music, but he also composed a significant body of songs, large-scale choral pieces, and operas.

Further listening:

Stabat mater (1877)
Soloists, Atlanta Symphony,
Robert Shaw (Telarc)

Piano Quintet, Op. 81 (1887)
Rudolf Firkusny´, Juilliard String Quartet
(Sony Classical)

Cello Concerto (1893)
Pierre Fournier; Berlin Philharmonic,
George Szell (DG)

10/07