How to Assemble a Dvorak CD Collection

The Czech composer Antonin Dvorak (1841 to 1904) was one of the most influential figures during the Romantic era in Western classical music, and his music is still widely performed and enjoyed today. Dvorak’s “New World” Symphony is one of the most famous pieces in the entire symphonic repertoire, but he wrote many other masterpieces as well. Here are some ideas on where to start if you want to assemble a first-class Dvorak music library.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look for CDs online, or at a discount bookstore or music store like Half Price Books (see Resources below). If you go to a store that specializes in classical music, you might find a larger selection but you’ll probably also end up paying a premium price.

2. Concentrate on Dvorak's symphonies. Of the nine that Dvorak wrote, the final three—no. 7 in D minor Op. 70, no. 8 in G Op. 88, and the famous no. 9 in E minor Op. 95, nicknamed “From the New World”—are essential to any Dvorak collection.

3. Consider Dvorak's excellent concertos for instrumental soloist and orchestra. Among these, the can’t-miss recordings include the Cello Concerto in B minor Op. 104, (widely considered the finest cello concerto ever written), and the Violin Concerto in A minor Op. 53. The Piano Concerto in G minor Op. 33 is also fairly popular.

4. Browse Dvorak’s other works for full orchestra as well. Among these, the highlights include the Serenade for Strings in E Op. 22, the Rondo for Cello and Orchestra in G minor Op. 94, the Romance for Violin and Orchestra in F minor Op. 11, the "Carnival Overture" Op. 92, and the two sets of "Slavonic Dances" Opp. 46 and 72. (The "Slavonic Dances" are also available in a four-hand piano arrangement, but I recommend the orchestral version.)

5. Check out Dvorak's excellent chamber music as well. In this category, the quintessential pieces are the String Quartet no. 12 in F Op. 96 (nicknamed the “American”), the Piano Trio in E minor Op. 90 (the “Dumky”), the Czech Suite in D minor Op. 39, and the Humoresque in G-flat Op. 101.

6. Remember that Dvorak also wrote some lovely choral and vocal music, even though it is not as well-known as his instrumental music. In this genre, I recommend the noble Mass in D Op. 86, the joyful “Te Deum” Op. 103, and the moving, lyrical “Stabat Mater” Op. 58. You should also find a recording of the gorgeous soprano aria “Song to the Moon” from the opera “Rusalka”—it is without a doubt one of the most sublime melodies Dvorak ever wrote. And for Dvorak, that is high praise indeed.

[koyunbaba]

on 9/13/2008 Great tips! Dvorak is my favorite composer by far.