Antonín Dvořák

Antonín Dvořák was born in Nelahozeves as the eldest of nine children to František Dvořák, a local butcher and innkeeper, and his wife Anna. In 1842, when a fire broke out in the inn, his father carried him out of the burning building. From an early age, Antonín displayed exceptional musical talent. In 1847, he started attending the local school in Nelahozeves, where he learned singing and violin.

At sixteen, Dvořák moved to Prague to study at the Organ School, where he graduated as the second-best student in his class. During his studies, he devoted himself intensely to composition. He later joined the orchestra of the Provisional Theatre as a violist, a formative experience that shaped his musical path. He also worked as an organist at St. Adalbert’s Church.

The publication of Slavonic Dances by the Berlin-based publisher Simrock, who had been introduced to Dvořák by Johannes Brahms, marked his breakthrough on the international music scene. These compositions blended Czech folk influences with classical forms, captivating both critics and audiences. The success of Slavonic Dances opened the doors to further international commissions and conducting engagements.

Dvořák accepted an offer to become the director of the National Conservatory in New York, with an annual salary of $15,000. He spent three academic years in the United States, composing his most famous symphony, From the New World. His exposure to American music, particularly spirituals and Native American melodies, profoundly influenced his compositions. This period marked a peak in his creative career and brought forth some of his most celebrated works.

Antonín Dvořák passed away in Prague at the age of 62. His final completed work was the opera Armida. His funeral became a national event, attended by thousands who paid tribute to one of the greatest Czech composers. His legacy lives on through hundreds of compositions that continue to be performed on concert stages worldwide.