Dvorak, Antonin (1841-1904)

Dvorak, Antonin

COMPOSER (CZECHOSLOVAKIA)

BORN 8 Sep 1841, Nelahozeves - DIED 1 May 1904, Praha
GRAVE LOCATION Praha: Vysehrad Cemetery (14-36 (20))

Dvorak came from a modest background. His father was the owner of an inn where folk music was played. He was taught music by local schoolmasters and with Antonin Liehmann at the organ school in Prague. For many years he earned a modest living by playing the violin with the Provisional Theatre orchestra, that was conducted by Smetana from 1866. He also played the organ at St. Adalbert in Prague.

When he was 37 he was suddenly recognized as an extraordinary talent and he became famous very quickly. His Slavonic Dances were an instant success after they were published abroad. Dvorak was very successful in Germany, Austria and England. During his career he wrote many works in quick succession, from little pieces to operas. His music could not be classified as conservative or radical.

He was director of the National Conservatory in New York (1892-1895), where he taught composition and in the USA he composed his ninth symphony ("From the New World"). Back in Praque his opera "Rusalka" (1901) was a success. During his life Dvorak always remained a man of modest needs and tastes.

Related persons
• was a friend of Brahms, Johannes

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