Dvorak



__ Birth: __ September 8, 1841 __ Death: __ May 1, 1904 __ Country of Origin: __ Czech Republic - previously known as Czechoslovak Republic = = =__ EARLY LIFE __=

Antonin Dvorák was born in a small village near Prague, the eldest son of František Dvořák and his wife Anna Zdeňková. František was an innkeeper, professional player of the zither, and a butcher. Anna was the daughter of Josef Zdeněk, the bailiff of Prince Lobkowitz. At the age of 13, through the influence of his father, Dvořák was sent to Zlonice to live with his uncle in order to learn the German language.Dvořák took organ, piano and violin lessons from his German language teacher Anton Liehmann. In 1857 he enrolled at the Prague Organ School. The school was very strict and he only learned about church music. Dvořák graduated from the Organ School in 1859. After unsuccessfully applying as an organist at St. Henry's Church, he decided to support himself financially. During this time, Dvořák was a full-time musician.

== = = =__ MUSICAL LIFE __=

In 1858, he joined Karel Komzák's orchestra, with whom he performed in Prague's restaurants and at balls. The high professional level of the ensemble attracted the attention of Jan Nepomuk Maýr, who engaged the whole orchestra in the Bohemian Provisional Theater Orchestra. Dvořák played viola in the orchestra since 1862. In July 1863, Dvořák played in a program devoted to the German composer Richard Wagner, who conducted the orchestra. At the time, Dvořák began composing his first two string quartets.

= = =__ STYLES/FORMS __=

Orchestral music Dramatic music Symphonic poem Operas

=__ WORK __=

Rusalka The Water Goblin Stabat Mater Symphony No. 9 in E minor - also known //From the New World//, or as the //New World Symphony//.