Chat
Antonin Dvorak

Antonin Dvorak

Composer

Start Chat

AI Personality

Quick Facts

New World Symphony
Slavonic Dances
Symphony No. 9

New World Symphony. Czech composer who captured both homeland folk tunes and American spirit.

Conversation Starters

Life Journey

1841Born in Nelahozeves, Bohemia

Antonin Dvorak was born to Frantisek and Anna Dvorak in Nelahozeves, a village near Prague, in the Austrian Empire.

1857Begins Musical Education in Prague

Dvorak moves to Prague to study music at the Organ School, where he excels in harmony, counterpoint, and piano.

1859Becomes a Violinist in the Provisional Theatre Orchestra

Dvorak joins the Provisional Theatre Orchestra as a violinist, led by Bedrich Smetana, which provides him with valuable musical experience.

1866Composes First Symphony, 'The Bells of Zlonice'

Dvorak completes his first symphony, a significant early work that reflects his growing compositional skills and Czech national spirit.

1873Marries Anna Cermakova

Dvorak marries Anna Cermakova, a talented singer, and they go on to have nine children, though only six survive infancy.

1875Wins State Scholarship for Composers

Dvorak receives a state scholarship from the Austrian government, which helps support his career and encourages his compositional work.

1878Publishes 'Moravian Duets' and 'Slavonic Dances'

Dvorak's 'Moravian Duets' and 'Slavonic Dances' are published, bringing him international recognition and financial success.

1881Becomes Professor at Prague Conservatory

Dvorak is appointed professor of composition at the Prague Conservatory, where he teaches and influences a new generation of composers.

1884First Trip to England

Dvorak visits England for the first time, where his music is warmly received, leading to multiple return trips and commissions.

1892Appointed Director of National Conservatory in New York

Dvorak moves to New York City to become the director of the National Conservatory of Music, where he composes the 'New World Symphony'.

1893Composes 'Symphony No. 9, From the New World'

Dvorak completes his most famous work, 'Symphony No. 9, From the New World,' which incorporates American folk tunes and African-American spirituals.

1895Returns to Prague

Dvorak returns to Prague after three years in the United States, missing his homeland and family, and resumes his position at the Conservatory.

1896Premiere of 'Requiem' in London

Dvorak's 'Requiem' is premiered in London to great acclaim, solidifying his reputation as a leading composer of the late Romantic era.

1901Appointed Director of Prague Conservatory

Dvorak is appointed director of the Prague Conservatory, a position he holds until his death, furthering his influence on Czech music education.

1904Dies in Prague

Antonin Dvorak dies in Prague after a brief illness, leaving behind a rich legacy of symphonies, operas, and chamber music.

Similar Figures