Symphony No. 7 (Dvořák)

Symphony No. 7 in D minor, Op 70 is a symphony by Antonín Dvořák. It was published during his lifetime as his Symphony No. 2.

Formation

After Dvořák had heard the Symphony No. 3 in 1884 by his friend Johannes Brahms, he also set about to compose a new symphony. The creation of his last, the 6th Symphony, at this time was already over four years back; a time in which Dvořák's compositional style had become again more mature and sophisticated, which is why the 7th symphony was a new high point in the symphonic works of the composer. Therefore, it represents the beginning of the three great symphonies of the composer ( Symphonies Nos. 7, 8 and 9) dar.

In the time of the creation of the symphony falls the appointment Dvořák as an honorary member of the London Philharmonic Society, connected with the commission to write a new symphony. So Dvořák conducted his Symphony No. 7 then for the first time at the St. James Hall in London.

About the Music

1st movement: Allegro maestoso

The first movement begins with a quiet but menacing tone carpet on which a somber melody is spread. " No superfluous note " containing the beginning of the symphony Dvořák loud. The more optimistic second theme is repeatedly threatened and suffocated in the course of fighting the first set of dark - themed issue. The movement ends, unusual for Dvořák, pianissimo, in a dark mood. A solution of artistic problems and disputes, which has raised the sentence has not yet been reached, this can occur until later in the symphony.

2nd movement: Poco adagio

The Adagio is also in combative mood and is permeated with intense force outbursts from the full orchestra that interrupt the solemn and dominated by the woodwind mood of the main theme with which this record is opened, again and again. Most striking here is an initiative of the flute phrase which. Initially by the strings with one, then two beats Tutti is answered Shortly thereafter forwards the trumpet a rousing, urgent movement of the entire orchestra, which represents an enormous power folding. The set is completed with generated by the woodwind, quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

3rd movement: Scherzo, vivace

The Scherzo is a typical character piece of Bohemian Master. Their distinctive and dance main theme of the scherzo is clearly of Bohemian origin and bears the clearest national trains, as in Dvořák's symphonies is usually in the Scherzi the case. This too is in a combative minor and is not conflict-free. Just a quick trio seems to promise some peace.

4th movement: Finale, allegro

The finale begins with a threatening gesture of the orchestra, which assumes at once an urgent and demanding character. The solution of musical problems to be found. The introduction summarizes again together all disputes of the symphony. After a rhythmically distinctive unison strings motif follows the actual pressing and always optimistic expectant main theme. The second theme is then consequently in a major key ( G major ) and displays triumphant trains. However, the dark mood is still not completely defeated, as they hereafter again penetrated. It follows the militant processing of the main theme in violent musical conflict. This eventually leads to the triumphant end of the symphony in a rousing coda. The final achieved for Dvořák new intensity of musical expression and quality of thematic processing.

Effect

The first performance of the symphony took place on April 22, 1885 in London conducted by the composer. She became one of the greatest successes Dvořák during his lifetime. Also in the Bohemian homeland, the symphony was celebrated. Your combative character combined with the patriotic desire of the Czechs for a flourishing nation state. The printing of this work proved, however, impossible, as Dvořák's publisher Fritz Simrock the symphony only under restrictions ( for example, the dedication to the London Philharmonic Society should not be considered and the printing in German, not Czech, done ) and to a wanted to give low price. Only after several years followed an agreement here.

Today the 7th Symphony is regarded as one of the outstanding masterpieces in Dvořák's symphonies and complete work and is one of the frequently played symphonies of the great orchestra.

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