ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK

Antonín Dvořák is an internationally acclaimed Czech composer, conductor and teacher. During his lifetime his works were published by prestigious European publishers, and his music was performed not only in the Czech Republic but also abroad. After his compatriot Bedřich Smetana, Dvořák became one of the most important Czech national composers. His works display elements of Czech folk songs and dances, bucolic scenes and nature. 1875 was a very productive year for Dvořák – he composed Symphony No. 5 in F major, String Quintet No. 2 in G major, Piano Trio in B flat major, the opera Vanda, etc. In the spring of the same year, in less than two weeks he wrote the Serenade for Strings, which has been a fixture in chamber orchestra repertoire to this day. Conducted by Adolf Czech it was premiered in Prague December 10, 1876. Its five movements masterfully combine a cantilena reminiscent of lyrical episodes from Schubert’s string quartets (Moderato), a slow and ornate waltz (Tempo di Valse), playfulness (Scherzo: Vivace), a nocturne (Larghetto) and glowing verve (Finale: Allegro vivace).

The Czech music patriarch’s Serenade in E major is performed by the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra conducted by maestro David Geringas, the winner of the Lithuanian National Culture and Art Prize.