Antonín Dvořák

„… and despite acquiring some degree of renown in the world of music, I will remain just what I have been – a simple Czech musician.“

Antonín Dvořák (1841–1904), the son of a butcher and innkeeper from the small village Nelahozeves, has become one of the most well-known Czech composers. He travelled to England nine times, where he conducted his works. He rose to fame with his three-year tenure as the director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York. His marriage with Anna Čermáková brought him nine children, six of which reached adulthood. A happy familial environment, a strong work ethic and contracts with the greatest European publishing houses enabled the composer to create more than 200 compositions during his lifetime, many of which have become part of regular repertoire for world-class orchestras and renowned artists.

More about life

Selected from correspondence

Antonín Dvořák Fritz Simrock - 13. 05. 1884
Dvořák described to the publisher Simrock his fascination with beautiful spring nature and birdsong, which he said could inspire composers to create beautiful melodies.
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Karel Bendl Antonín Dvořák - 22. 03. 1892
expresses his joy at Dvořák's success in England and recalls his artistic beginnings
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Magda Dvořáková Karel Kovařovic - 31. 01. 1919
The composer's daughter Magda advocates the inclusion of her father's works in the programme of the National Theatre as part of the Paris tour and the Pressburg festivities.
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