Here is a detailed essay explaining the life of one of the most prolific composers of the romantic era; Antonin Dvorak. This essay highlights his early childhood, entry into music, career, accolades, discography, impact and late life.
Antonín Leopold Dvořák was born to an innkeeper and butcher in 1840 in
Bohemia (Czech Republic), specifically the village of Nelahozeves, and was the first of
eight siblings (Beveridge). Plagued with poverty from a young age, his family struggled
financially with their business expenditures, which resulted in a very humble upbringing
for Dvořák (Lloyd-Jones). He was first exposed to music in his family inn, where various
dance bands and musical entertainment were present, which sparked his interest in
pursuing music-related activities such as playing the violin (Lloyd-Jones). He was
mentored by his elementary school music teacher, Josef Spitz, in both violin and
singing, and fostered Dvořák's musical passions and talents (Beveridge). In his youth,
he continued to receive tutelage under more esteemed musicians such as Antonín
Leihmann, who taught Dvořák the piano and organ, in which he wrote his first
composition, a polka piece for the piano in 1853 (Beveridge).
He studied at the Institute for Church Music in Prague and worked odd jobs such
as being a pianist for restaurants and the Provisional Czech Theatre or providing
tutelage in piano to make ends meet (Beveridge). Dvořák had his breakthrough in 1878,
thanks to Johannes Brahms, who used his musical network to promote some of
Dvořák’s Slavic dances and help spread his name as a composer like wildfires through
Germany (“Antonin Dvořák (1841–1904”). After rigorously composing for years at the
Prague Music Conservatory, he received a once-in-a-lifetime offer from someone
named Jeannette Thruber, who offered him a position at the Conservatory of Music in
, New York as both a teacher and a conductor (“Antonin Dvořák (1841–1904”). In New
York, he was able to compose some of his most infamous works, such as the Cello
Certo in B minor, String Quartet No. 12, and the iconic New World Symphony (“Antonin
Dvořák (1841–1904”).
Dvořák was one of the most prolific composers of the Romantic era, credited with
nine symphonies, 11 operas, 50 opuses, 20 chorales, and 100 songs including duets,
totaling around 400 musical works (“Range of works: Homepage: Antonín Dvořák'').
Aside from his impressive catalogue, his ability to evoke a magnitude of emotions such
as despair, happiness, and longing captivated millions across the globe in the 1900’s
and even does so to this day (Beveridge). Some of Dvořák’s most significant pieces
include his 1st symphony, the String Quartet in A minor, 2nd Symphony, the String
Quartet in A major, Serenade for Strings in E major, Op. 22 B52, Slavonic Dances
(Slavonic Rhapsodies and Slavonic String Quartet), Czech Suite, Symphony No. 6 in D
major, Op. 60, B112, Symphony No. 7 in D minor, Op. 70, B141, Symphony No. 8 in G
major, Op. 88, B163, Requiem, op. 89, B165, and finally Symphony No. 9 in E minor,
Op. 95, B178, “From the New World, just to name a few (“List of works by Antonín
Dvořák”).
Dvořák incorporated elements in his pieces that were deeply rooted in Czech
culture, occasionally being inspired by the geographic location of where he was
composing (Machlis and Forney). He incorporated various traditional themes from his
home country, such as those seen in his Slavonic Dances, Czech Suite, and
symphonies as well. Antonín composed for various genres and forms, such as Czech
folk, and introduced traditional Czech folk forms such as Czech cantata and oratorio
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