A First Book of Dvorák: For The Beginning Pianist with Downloadable MP3s

by David Dutkanicz

Overview

Beginners often find the compositions of Antonin Dvořák frustratingly difficult to play, but this introductory volume provides an accessible and satisfying entrée to the Czech composer's oeuvre. Excerpts from his more abstract works are presented in manageable samples, with simplified keys and fingerings, and the pieces are presented in gradually increasing order of difficulty.
There are an assortment of Dvořák's well-known and much-loved compositions. Humoresques is a piano cycle inspired by his sojourn in the United States. Slavonic Dances was influenced by Brahms' Hungarian Dances. Flavorful pieces rooted in folk music, including excerpts from the Czech Suite and Prague Waltzes and a pair of lively mazurkas are featured. Other highlights include "Songs My Mother Taught Me," "The Noon Witch," and pieces from cello and violin concertos and symphonic movements. All thirty-six selections are available as downloadable MP3s.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780486828909
Publisher:	Dover Publications
Publication date:	12/18/2018
Series:	Dover Classical Piano Music For Beginners
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	8.25(w) x 11.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	4 - 18 Years

About the Author

A Czech composer of the late Romantic era, Antonin Dvořák (1841-1904) is noted for taking his inspiration from the folk music of Moravia and Bohemia.
Former Dover editor David Dutkanicz holds degrees from the Manhattan School of Music, New York University, and Columbia University. He is the editor of several books in this series.

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER 1

Pastorale from Czech Suite Op. 39

A pastorale is a musical composition intended to evoke images of nature and the countryside. This rustic melody is supported by a static left hand playing an open fifth (C–G). The effect is known as a drone and is reminiscent of old folk instruments.

Kyrie from Mass Op. 86

The Kyrie is the traditional first movement of the Mass. Dvorak composed this work in 1887 for the consecration of a private chapel. Note how the melody is repeated by the left hand in measure 5. This is known as imitation.

Symphony No. 9, Mvt. IV (Theme)

Dvorak composed a total of nine symphonies. His last one was finished while residing in Spillville, Iowa, with his family in the summer of 1893. It has earned the name "New World Symphony" and is frequently performed.

Silhouettes Op. 8. No. 5

Although famous for his symphonies and concertos, Dvorak also wrote many works for the piano. This charming collection of twelve pieces was composed between 1865 and 1879. Be sure to contrast the dynamics when the melody repeats.

String Quintet No. 12, Op. 96 ("American")

In addition to Symphony No. 9, Dvorak composed this work while living in Spillville, Iowa. Its nickname is "American." Play the theme brightly and upbeat.

Prague Waltzes B. 99

Prague Waltzes was composed in 1879 at the request of the organizers of the prestigious National Society Ball. They were worried about the state of dance music in Prague and reached out to a number of composers for submissions. Pay attention to the silent measures (3 and 6), and count three full beats.

Romance Op. 11, from Mvt. I

This work was published in 1879 and was originally for violin and orchestra. In addition to keeping the melody lyrical, focus on the left hand playing smoothly and melodically.

Symphony No. 8, Mvt. IV (Theme)

Symphony No. 8 was composed in 1889 while Dvorak was living in Bohemia. It is more cheerful and lyrical in contrast to his previous symphonies. Pay attention to the triplets in measure 7. The three notes should be played over two beats.

Waltz Op. 54, No. 7

This waltz is the seventh in a collection of eight composed between 1879 and 1880. Following up on the success of Slavonic Dances, Dvorak continued to write music for dance halls. Play elegantly and evenly, with both hands moving as one.

Romantic Pieces Op. 75, No. 1

Dvorak composed this cycle of four pieces in 1887 for violin and piano. It was based on sketches of smaller works he wrote to play with his friends. He was a violist and found great enjoyment in arranging and performing smaller works.

Symphony No. 9, Mvt. I (Theme)

This moving melody is the opening theme to the first movement of Symphony No. 9. The first four measures serve as an introduction and are played softly. When the theme arrives at measure 5, crescendo into a forte and quickly recede back into piano by measure 9.

Song to the Moon from Rusalka

Dvorak's most beloved and performed opera is Rusalka. It tells the tale of a water nymph (mermaid) who wants nothing more than to become human after falling in love with a prince. In this aria, she asks the moon to reveal her love to the prince.

In a Ring! from Two Little Pearls B. 156, No. 1

In a Ring! is a toe-tapping work meant to evoke folk dances. The original title, Do Kola!, implies a circle (or a ring) dance (the "kola"). Be mindful of the frequent shifts between piano and forte, and use that contrast to help propel the music forward.

(Continues…)

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Table of Contents

Author's Note, iv,
Pastorale, 1,
Kyrie, 2,
Symphony No. 9, Mvt. IV (Theme), 3,
Silhouettes, 4,
String Quintet No. 12, 5,
Prague Waltzes, 6,
Romance, 7,
Symphony No. 8, Mvt. IV (Theme), 8,
Waltz, 9,
Romantic Pieces, 10,
Symphony No. 9, Mvt. I (Theme), 11,
Song to the Moon, 12,
In a Ring!, 14,
Bacchanale, 16,
Songs My Mother Taught Me, 17,
Mazurka, 18,
Cypresses, 20,
Cello Concerto, 21,
Grandpa Dances with Grandma, 22,
Mazurka, 24,
Stabat Mater, 26,
The Question, 27,
Chorus of the Water Nymphs, 28,
Capriccio, 29,
The Water Goblin, 30,
Ballade, 31,
Serenade for Strings, 32,
Dumka, 33,
The Noon Witch, 34,
Symphony No. 9, Mvt. II (Largo), 36,
Serenade for Wind Instruments, 37,
Slavonic Dances, 38,
Violin Concerto Mvt. I, 39,
Violin Concerto Mvt. II, 40,
Six Piano Pieces, 42,
Humoresque, 44,