Page:Antonín Dvořák by J. E. Vojan (1941).pdf/10

 the joy and passion of the common people, hence the characteristic rhythms of Dvořák in his “Slavonic Dances” which cannot fail to create an instant interest and impression. Upon urging of the publisher Simrock for whom “Slavonic Dances” became a gold mine, Dvořák wrote another series of eight “Slavonic Dances” in June and July, 1886. All these 16 “Slavonic Dances” (opus 46 and 72) are now available in the authentic interpretation of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra in Prague, conducted by Václav Talich, RCA Victor Records, albums M-310 and M-345. The Victor commentator says: “Their oppeal is general. To the average music lover they are the quintessence of melodic beauty and infectious rhythms; and to the musical sophisticate they afford added interest in their richness of orchestral color and a style of interweaving of thematic material that is distinctive of Dvořák.”

In 1876–1877 Dvořák wrote his monumental work, the grandiose oratorio “Stabat Mater.” In this composition two tragic experiences (Dvořák’s first son died in September and his second daughter in October, 1877) found their echo. This oratorio, performed at Royal Albert Hall in London on March 13, 1883, Joseph Barnby conducting, won entirely the sympathies of the English public. Dvořák was invited to come to London and to conduct his work personally. This first visit of Dvořák in England was a great triumph. “Stabat Mater” sung by 840 singers at Albert Hall before an audience of 12,000 on March 13, 1884, was followed by two more concerts, March 20 at St. James Hall and March 22 at Crystal Palace, where the overture “Husitská", Symphony in D Major, “Slavonic Rhapsody No. 2” and “Scherzo capriccioso” were performed. Tenor Winch also sang some of the “Gypsy Songs”.

“The Hussite Overture”, a dramatic overture for great orchestra, was written in one month (Aug. 9–Sept. 9, 1883) at Dvořák summer home Vysoká near Příbram. Dvořák’s brother-in-law, Count Václav Kounic, who married Josephine Čermák, sister of Mrs. Dvořák, sold him a piece of land at his estate, and Dvořák who felt very happy at Vysoká wrote there many of his compositions, among others also the famous “Humoresque” (dated