Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was a 19 th century Czech composer. The son of a zither player and innkeeper, Dvořák quickly captured local attention as a prodigious young violinist. His parents supported their son’s interest and aptitude, and Dvořák received a comprehensive education in organ, singing, theory, and continuo playing, along with continuing his violin studies. While playing in bands in Prague, Dvořák began to compose, and after receiving Brahms’ vocal support, his music began to be widely published and performed, launching his career as one of the foremost Czech composers of his generation.

Dvořák’s music, though often thought of primarily for its nationalistic character, also incorporates the composer’s broad-ranging knowledge of contemporary Western theory and compositional practice, and is characterized by a variety of styles. Arguably the composer’s most famous piece, the “New World Symphony,” for example, was written during his time in the United States, and integrates traditional American tunes. His music is also notable in its wide range of genres: symphonies, songs, chamber music, oratorio, and even opera.