The American Years

Donald Macleod follows Dvořák’s time in America and discovers the iconic works he made there.

In an era overloaded with brooding and overwrought Romantic sensibilities, Antonín Dvořák’s music shone with grace, joy and humanity. Audiences were enchanted and adopted Dvořák as one of the 19th century’s most beloved composers. He was especially in demand in Britain and the USA, and enjoyed successful visits both countries. Dvořák was never happier, though, than at home in his native Bohemia, listening to the birds singing, feeding his pigeons, and indulging in a bit of train spotting, too.

It was a sign of Dvořák’s global reputation that he was invited across the Atlantic to take on the Directorship of the National Conservatory of Music in New York. Dvořák wasn’t keen to leave his homeland behind but he eventually agreed, and arrived in the United States in 1892. During his stay, Dvorak was inspired by the sounds of birds, fascinated by Native American music, and thrilled by America’s vast railway system. This also period saw him write some of his most iconic works including his Ninth Symphony, the String Quartet No 12 and his Cello Concerto.

Piano Trio No 4 in E minor, Op 90 (Dumky)
Christian Tetzlaff, violin
Tanja Tetzlaff, cello
Lars Vogt, piano

Symphony No 9 in E minor, Op 95 “From the New World” (excerpt)
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
Riccardo Chailly, conductor

String Quartet No 12 in F, Op 96 (excerpt)
Vogler String Quartet

Cello Concerto in B minor, Op 104 (Finale)
Kian Soltani, cello
Staatskapelle Berlin
Daniel Barenboim, conductor

Produced by Luke Whitlock, for BBC Wales