Musical Inspiration: Dvorak Symphonies
I grew up listening to classical music, and even though my tastes have branched out significantly, it remains my first love. I particularly adore the romantic composers from the mid-to-late 19th century. One of my absolute faves is Antonin Dvorak, the great Czech composer. Though he composed across many different forms, I think the Dvorak symphonies are particularly wonderful and accessible.
Many 19th-century composers incorporated folk music of all kinds into their works and Dvorak did this particularly well. Nearly all of his work has a strong Slavic sound and feel to it- you can just about see the Bohemian peasants dancing to it. His most famous work, the “New World” Symphony (No. 9 below) is the exception because it was clearly influenced by Dvorak’s impression of the United States when he went to visit.
My personal favorites are his 7th and 8th symphonies. If you could wear out a digital recording, there would be nothing left of my Mariss Jansons-conducted versions of these two. I couldn’t find Jansons conducting No. 7 on YouTube, so you’ll just have to settle for John Eliot Gardiner. Enjoy!
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Ooo! Enjoyed this very much! Made me stop to think what some of my favorite pieces are. Dvorak’s 9th is right up there. HL likes that one, too. Here’s my favorite’s list:
Dvorak – New World Symphony (No. 9 in E minor)
Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Rachmaninoff
Brahm’s Second Symphony
Holsts — The Planets Opus 32
Jean Sibelius — Finlandia
Oh, I love all of those, though I’d have to add Rachmaninoff’s 3rd piano concerto as my absolute favorite. I once got to hear Horacio Gutierrez play the Paganini Rhapsody with the Oregon Symphony and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house.
Unsurprisingly, you and I have very similar taste in music! 🙂
I definitely agree about Dvorak, Christina. He comes within a hair of being as good as Brahms overall, which is high praise indeed, and in your two favorite symphonies might even surpass him.
I’m an oboist, so I like the cover pic on the link for #7. Our music director loves Dvorak, so over the years I’ve had the chance to play many of the tone poems (we’re doing The Noon Witch next fall) and all the mature symphonies (we performed From the New World a few weeks ago).
You may find Dvorak’s son-in-law, Joseph Suk, worth a listen as well. He can be very Dvorak-like in pieces such as the Scherzo Fantastique, Asrael, or A Summer’s Tale.
Yes, I love Brahms, too, though I’ve had more experience with him as a performer- both piano and vocal. I probably listen to his work less often though I should remedy that.
I love the oboe! I’d probably pass out if I had to play one, but I just love the sound. Who do you play with? Sounds like your music director has good taste. 🙂
I’ll check out Joseph Suk- thanks for the tip!
YES. Finally another blogger posting about classical music. Eventually I will convert all of you to my music tastes. *cackles*
LOL 😉
You and a few others inspired me. Plus, it’s fun to poke around YouTube, finding new-to-me recordings of old favorites. 🙂