Dvořák · Antonín Dvořák
Dvořák Symphony No. 3 in E♭ major
The Wagnerian symphony premiered by Smetana
- Key
- E♭ major
- Composed
- 1873
- Premiere
- 1874 Prague
- Duration
- About 35 min
- Movements
- 3 movements
- Instrumentation
- Woodwinds 2·2·2·2 (+ piccolo and English horn) · Brass 4·2·3·1 · Timpani · Percussion (triangle) · Harp · Strings
The story behind this piece
Written in 1873, it is the only Dvořák symphony with just three movements and no scherzo. With its use of the harp and more, it's the work that shows Wagner's influence most strongly.
It was premiered in Prague on March 29, 1874, conducted by Smetana, the father of Czech music. It was the first time Dvořák heard one of his own symphonies performed live. He submitted this piece along with No. 4 in his application for a state scholarship, and he received it.
What to listen for
- Listen for the harp in the orchestra. It's a Wagnerian color that is rare in Dvořák's early symphonies.
- With no scherzo, it has just three movements: fast, slow, fast.
Listen · Score
Credits