Page:Antonín Dvořák by J. E. Vojan (1941).pdf/22

 picture by a Czech. This is readily understood from the composer’s unusual command of melody, rhythm and color: all touchstones of success with American musical audiences.”

In New York, in November 1893, Dvořák wrote a short, but charming Sonatina in G Major, op. 100, for the violin and piano. Its simple outline and fresh musical content are clearly defined in the composer’s own words: “It is meant for the young, dedicated to two of my children (15 year old Otilie who later became wife of the Czech composer Josef Suk and 10 year old Toník), but let the grown-ups get as much pleasure out of it as possible.” The second movement Canzonetta became very popular in the arrangement by Fritz Kreisler who called it “Indian Lament” (recordings: Indian Lament, played Kreisler, Victor 7225, and the complete Sonatina, played by Renardy and Robert, Columbia Set X-129).

Two significant works which belong to Dvořák’s greatest compositions and which were written in New York are “Biblical Songs,” ten profound songs on the text of David’s psalms (March 1894), and the famous Violoncello Concerto in B Minor, opus 104, which was written between November 8, 1894, and February 9, 1895. This beautiful, romantic, vibrant and richly melodious composition is above all a passionate expression of the composer’s great longing for his homeland. (A splendid recording: Pablo Casals with Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, George Szell conducting, Victor album M-458). One project conceived by Dvořák during his stay in America, but never completed, was an opera based on the story of Hiawatha. Although urged by Mrs. Thurber to go on with the work, Dvořák never got beyond sketching several themes because of an inadequate libretto.

After his return to Prague Dvořák paid his ninth and last visit to London upon invitation of the London Philharmonic Society. At its concert at Queen’s Hall, March, 1896, he conducted his Violoncello concerto, played by Leo Stern.

Among his compositions of the last years of the nineties was his last purely instrumental work, “Heroic Song” for great orchestra. It was first performed in