Just before he departed Europe for his years spent in America, Czech-born composer Antonin Dvorak was elected to the Bohemian Academy of Science, Literature and Arts. To acknowledge this honor the composer did what you might expect: he wrote a symphony. Today at noon on Classical 90.5, we've got the Eighth Symphony for you on the Dvorak Diner.
Dvorak's Eighth Symphony draws largely on melodies of his native Bohemia. The work is a joyous and celebratory counterpoint to the composers occasionally more ponderous earlier symphonies. The Opus 88 adheres to the standard symphonic structure of the day with four movements: 1. Allegro con brio, 2. Adagio, 3. Allegretto grazioso – Molto vivace, and 4. Allegro ma non troppo.
We'll serve up a classic recording today from the Berlin Philharmonic under conductor Rafael Kubelik.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaDl9js_OR4
The Dvorak Diner airs each Tuesday at noon on Classical 90.5 and is sponsored by the Robert Speer and Anna Gayton Fund.
