Photo: public domain
The world-famous Czech composer Antonín Dvořák died 120 years ago in Prague on May 1, 1904, at the age of 62. The 120th anniversary of his death is naturally being commemorated with a host of concerts, but also by us here at Radio Prague International. In today’s Sunday music show we listen to his truly lovely Czech Suite in D major from 1879.
The Czech Suite in D major is a prime example of Dvořák’s melodic talent. After the success of his Serenades for Strings and for Wind Instruments, he originally wanted to compose another serenade. However, he changed his plans and instead decided to compose a suite based on Czech folk dances.
The Suite in D Major premiered on 16 May 1879 in Prague at a concert conducted by Adolf Čech. One year later Dvořák himself conducted the piece at a charity concert raising money for the construction of the National Theatre in Prague.
See the rest here.