Composer

:

Antonin Dvorák

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

Aug 1, 1865 - Oct 9, 1865

First Performance

:

Mar 11, 1888

Average_duration

:

50:35

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Antonin Dvorák's Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, B. 12, Op. 4, was composed in 1865-1866, when the composer was in his early twenties. The symphony premiered on April 17, 1888, in Prague, conducted by Adolf Čech. The symphony is divided into four movements. The first movement, marked Allegro con moto, begins with a slow introduction that sets the mood for the entire symphony. The main theme is introduced by the strings and is characterized by its lyrical and pastoral quality. The development section is marked by a sense of urgency and tension, which is resolved in the recapitulation. The second movement, marked Poco adagio, is a lyrical and melancholic slow movement. The main theme is introduced by the cellos and is characterized by its expressive and emotional quality. The middle section is marked by a more agitated and dramatic mood, which is resolved in the return of the main theme. The third movement, marked Scherzo: Allegro con brio, is a lively and energetic scherzo. The main theme is introduced by the horns and is characterized by its rhythmic and dance-like quality. The trio section is marked by a more lyrical and pastoral mood, which is contrasted with the return of the scherzo. The fourth and final movement, marked Allegro con fuoco, is a triumphant and exuberant finale. The main theme is introduced by the brass and is characterized by its heroic and celebratory quality. The development section is marked by a sense of struggle and conflict, which is resolved in the triumphant return of the main theme. Overall, Dvorák's Symphony No. 2 is characterized by its lyrical and pastoral quality, as well as its use of folk melodies and rhythms. The symphony is also marked by a sense of emotional depth and expressiveness, which is typical of Dvorák's early works.

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