Antonin Leopold Dvorak
Birth
8th September 1841 Nelahozeves, Bohemia (now Czechia)
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Death
1st May 1904 Prague, Czechia aged 62
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Musical era
Romantic
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Family
The first of nine children, he was immersed in music at an early age as his father was an innkeeper; he started playing the violin and accompanied couples dancing there. His musical talent was evident so when he was 12, he went to live with his aunt and uncle and studied piano, organ and harmony. He later enrolled in the Institute for Church Music in Prague where he studied for 2 years playing the viola and teaching a few students. He married Anna Cermakova and later they bought a summer house near her sister Josefina; where he composed many pieces.
Important points from his life
In 1875, he was awarded a state grant by the Austrian government which lead him to meet and become a close friend of Johannes Brahms.
His compositions were admired by critics, conductors and musicians and he became known further afield. In 1892, he accepted the position of Director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York and it was during this time he wrote his Symphony No 9 From the New World. By 1895 though, he was homesick and returned to Bohemia.
Dvorak had simple tastes and was great lover of nature.
Best known pieces
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Symphony No 9 From the New World
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Serenade for Strings
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Slavonic Dances
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Cello Concerto in B minor
What has been said
‘I wish you could hear DvoÅ™ák’s music. It is simply ravishing, so tuneful and clever and the orchestration is wonderful: no matter how few instruments he uses it never sounds thin. I cannot describe it, it must be heard.’ Edward Elgar
‘The world needed Antonín DvoÅ™ák even before he was born, and we can only express our gratitude that he lived among us. In a language comprehensible to all, DvoÅ™ák communicates a message of universal validity – a message of hope, noble-mindedness, integrity, humility and courage.' Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor
‘Heavens, definitely a symphony in B minor!’ Dvorak on seeing Niagara
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