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Dvořák · Antonín Dvořák

Dvořák Symphony No. 4 in D minor

Only the scherzo first, the full work 18 years later

Key
D minor
Composed
1874
Premiere
1892 Prague
Duration
About 40 min
Movements
4 movements
Instrumentation
Woodwinds 2·2·2·2 (piccolo doubling) · Brass 4·2·3·0 · Timpani · Percussion (bass drum, triangle, cymbals) · Harp · Strings

The story behind this piece

He wrote this piece in January to March 1874. The theme of the second movement is said to recall Wagner's 'Tannhäuser.' In May of that year, the third-movement scherzo was played first at a concert conducted by Smetana and was well received. It's also the piece he submitted with No. 3 in his state scholarship application.

The first complete performance came 18 years later, on April 6, 1892, in Prague. Dvořák conducted it himself at his farewell concert before leaving for America.

What to listen for

  • Movement 2: A hymn-like theme that recalls Wagner's 'Tannhäuser' appears.
  • Movement 3: A rhythmic scherzo that became popular after being played on its own first.

Listen · Score

Credits