Slavonic Dances  Op. 46 (1878)

Antonín Dvořák   (1841-1904)

As a relatively unknown young composer, Antonín Dvořák applied for and won an Austrian State Prize to fund his composition work. Johannes Brahms, one of the judges, was so impressed that he referred Dvořák to his publisher, Fritz Simrock. At Simrock’s request, Dvorak wrote a set of eight dances for piano four hands, loosely based on Brahms’ Hungarian Dances, and later orchestrated at Simrock’s request. A second set (Op. 72) followed ten years later.

The 5^th  is a frantic Skočná, a rapid folk dance in 2/4 time that also formed the basis for Smetana’s famous Dance of the Comedians.

The gently swaying 6^th dance in 3/4 time is a Czech Sousedská, usually danced by couples.

The famous 8^th is a lively furiant, featuring offbeats and a contrasting 2/4 – 3/4 rhythm.

Performed: 8th: 17/8/2014, 24/8/2014; 5th & 6th: 27/3/2022