Antonín Dvořák Cello Concerto in B minor, Op 104

#Dvořák #Cello Concerto #ClassicalMusic #RomanticEra #Orchestral
Date of publication 1947
GREGOR PIATIGORSKIY. cello
PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA
under the direction of Eugene ORMANDY
1. Allegro - 00:00
2. Adagio Ma Non Troppo - 14:23
3. Allegro Moderato - 25:07
Antonín Dvořák's Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. "104" is one of the most famous works in the cello repertoire. Written between 1894 and 1895 during Dvořák's stay in the United States, this concerto combines rich Romantic lyricism with Bohemian folk influences, showcasing the expressive depth of the cello and orchestral splendor.
Dvořák was initially hesitant to write a cello concerto, believing the instrument unsuitable for solo playing with an orchestra. However, after hearing Victor Herbert's Cello Concerto No. 2, he was inspired to compose his own. The concerto was written during his tenure as director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York City, but its final revisions were completed after his return to Bohemia, influenced by the death of his sister-in-law and secret love, Josefina Kaunicová. Dvořák included a quotation from his song *"Leave Me Alone" (Op. 82, No. 1)* in the finale as a tribute to her. The concerto follows a traditional three-movement structure:
1. Allegro – a dramatic opening with bold orchestral statements, leading to a lyrical entrance for the cello. The movement balances virtuosic passages with heartfelt melodies.
2. Adagio ma non troppo – a calm, song-like movement with a gentle solo cello, reflecting Dvořák’s nostalgic yearning for his homeland.
3. Finale: Allegro moderato – a lively, dance-like rondo infused with Czech folk rhythms, culminating in a triumphant but bittersweet conclusion.
First performed in London in 1896 by cellist Leo Stern, the concerto quickly gained acclaim for its emotional depth and technical demands. Today it remains a cornerstone of the cello repertoire, performed by such renowned cellists as Mstislav Rostropovich, Jacqueline du Pré and Yo-Yo Ma.
Dvořák's Cello Concerto in B minor is a testament to his mastery of orchestration and melody, combining romantic grandeur with intimate expression.
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