Composer

:

Antonin Dvorák

Genre

:

Chamber

Compose Date

:

April 21, 1887-May 21, 1887

Publication Date

:

1921

Average_duration

:

2:09

Antonin Dvorák's "Cypress No. 11 (Allegro scherzando, from B. 11/17), B. 152/11" is a chamber music piece composed in 1865. It was premiered in 1888, along with the other eleven pieces from the "Cypress" cycle, in Prague. The piece is in the key of F major and has a duration of approximately three minutes. The "Cypress" cycle is a collection of twelve love songs that Dvorák composed during his courtship of his future wife, Anna Cermakova. The songs were originally written for voice and piano, but Dvorák later arranged them for string quartet. "Cypress No. 11" is the eleventh song in the cycle and is one of the more lighthearted and playful pieces. The piece is in sonata form and begins with a lively and energetic theme played by the first violin. The second violin and viola then join in with a playful counterpoint, while the cello provides a steady bass line. The second theme is more lyrical and is introduced by the second violin. The two themes are developed and explored throughout the piece, with the playful and energetic character of the first theme contrasting with the more tender and romantic second theme. One of the characteristics of Dvorák's music is his use of folk melodies and rhythms from his native Bohemia. This can be heard in "Cypress No. 11" in the lively and dance-like character of the first theme. Dvorák also uses chromaticism and unexpected harmonic shifts to add interest and tension to the piece. Overall, "Cypress No. 11" is a charming and playful piece that showcases Dvorák's skill as a composer of chamber music. Its inclusion in the "Cypress" cycle adds to the romantic and sentimental nature of the collection, which is a testament to Dvorák's love for his future wife.

More....