Composer

:

Antonin Dvorák

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Dance

Compose Date

:

Apr 1878 - Aug 22, 1878

Publication Date

:

1878

First Performance

:

Dec 4, 1878

Average_duration

:

4:53

Antonin Dvorák's Slavonic Dance No. 2 for orchestra in E minor, B. 83/2, Op. 46/2 is a lively and energetic piece that captures the essence of Slavic folk music. It was composed in 1878 and premiered in Prague on April 4, 1878, by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. The Slavonic Dance No. 2 is part of a set of sixteen dances that Dvorák composed for piano four hands. He later arranged them for orchestra, and they quickly became popular throughout Europe. The dances are divided into two sets, Op. 46 and Op. 72, and are based on traditional Slavic folk melodies and rhythms. The Slavonic Dance No. 2 is in E minor and is marked allegretto grazioso, which means moderately fast and gracefully. The piece begins with a lively and rhythmic melody played by the strings, which is then echoed by the woodwinds. The melody is then passed around the orchestra, with each section adding its own unique flavor to the music. The second movement of the piece is a slower and more lyrical section, which features a beautiful melody played by the strings. This section provides a nice contrast to the energetic opening of the piece and showcases Dvorák's ability to create beautiful and expressive melodies. The third movement of the Slavonic Dance No. 2 is a return to the lively and energetic opening of the piece. The melody is played by the brass section, which adds a bold and powerful sound to the music. The movement builds to a thrilling climax, with the entire orchestra playing together in a frenzied and exciting finale. Overall, the Slavonic Dance No. 2 is a wonderful example of Dvorák's ability to capture the essence of Slavic folk music and translate it into a beautiful and exciting orchestral piece. Its lively rhythms, beautiful melodies, and powerful climaxes make it a favorite among audiences and orchestras alike.

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