Antonin Dvorak

Antonín Leopold Dvo?ák (September 8, 1841 – May 1, 1904) was a Czech composer of the Romantic era. He is considered one of the most important composers of Bohemian (now Czech) music.

Dvo?ák was born in Nelahozeves, Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), the first of nine children. His father was a butcher and innkeeper, and his mother was a talented amateur musician. Dvo?ák showed an early aptitude for music, and he began studying the violin at the age of six.

In 1857, Dvo?ák entered the Organ School in Prague, where he studied composition with Josef Krej?í. After graduating from the Organ School in 1859, Dvo?ák worked as a viola player in the orchestra of the National Theater in Prague. He also began composing, and his first major work, the Symphony No. 0 in E minor, was premiered in 1865.

In 1871, Dvo?ák was appointed kapellmeister (conductor) of the Choral Society of Hlahol in Prague. He held this position for four years, and during this time he composed a number of choral works, including the Stabat Mater and the Requiem.

In 1875, Dvo?ák was awarded the prestigious State Prize for his String Quartet No. 12 in F major. This award brought him to the attention of the international music world, and he began to receive commissions from publishers and conductors.

In 1884, Dvo?ák was appointed director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York City. He held this position for three years, and during this time he composed a number of important works, including the New World Symphony and the String Quartet No. 14 in A minor, "From the Bohemian Forest."

In 1890, Dvo?ák returned to Prague, where he continued to compose until his death in 1904. He is buried in the Vyšehrad Cemetery in Prague.

Dvo?ák's music is characterized by its folk-like melodies, its rich harmonies, and its use of Czech folk instruments. He was a prolific composer, and his output includes over 160 works, including operas, symphonies, chamber music, choral works, and solo piano pieces.

Dvo?ák is considered one of the most important composers of the Romantic era. His music is still performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

Dvorak moved to the United States and was director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York from 1892-1895.  He was facinated with American Music.  He was comissioned by the New York Philharmonic to write the New World Symphony.