This piece was the 92nd published work of Antonin Dvorak and the piece was written for a full orchestra. The piece is centered around the key of A Major which features three sharps, those being F sharp, C sharp, and G sharp; however, Dvorak utilizes different key signatures in small sections throughout the piece. This pieces is mainly in cut time which means that the time is really 2/2, (cut from the standard time signature of 4/4), in which there are two beats per measure and the half note serves as one beat. This piece, being an overture, only has one movement.
Dvorak wrote this piece in 1891as the second part of a trilogy of pieces that he wrote for “Nature, Life, and Love”, which means that this piece represents life. Known as a Romantic composer, Dvorak is best known for his 9th Symphony, “From the New World”. However, along with Slavonic Dances, this piece is a major work of his with deep Bohemian influence.
This is a piece that is very close to my heart since it is the first piece I heard performed live from a professional orchestra. I will never forget being a 13 year old sitting in the eight row of Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall hearing the New York Philharmonic masterfully perform this piece. I owe it to this piece that I love classical music as much as I do today. When I listen to the piece now, I am still discovering new, interesting aspects that I haven’t noticed before, (I suggest focusing on the cello line if you have time to listen twice). With quick, flowing runs written for instruments that usually don’t perform those types of melodies, it is a challenge to play and inspiring to listen to. As always, thank you for reading and please leave any feedback in the comments section.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYMpt5Lg3cw -Bass Clef