I’m Listening to Everything by Antonín Dvořák
September 8, 2013
Dvořák was born on this day 172 years ago. Happy Birthday, Antonín!
Here’s me at his gravesite in Prague, Czech Republic.
To celebrate his birth, I chose a piece with which, until today, I was completely unfamiliar.
TITLE: Ze Sumavy (From the Bohemian Forest), Op. 68, B. 133
DESCRIPTION OF THE PIECE: This is a work composed for piano, four hands. It has six movements, each one discussed briefly, below. He wrote the pieces first and added the titles later. A few years ago, when I began composing, I relied on mental images/memories of events to guide me in my composing. But recently, I’ve found that some music springs out of my brain fully-formed, with no pre-thought-of program (storyline/image). So it actually doesn’t surprise me that he wrote these first and then later added titles.
No. 1. In the Spinning Room – This description fits very well. You can picture a spinning wheel as you listen. Here’s a brief excerpt in which it sounds as though the spinning wheels have stopped momentarily and are now getting back up to speed:
No. 2. By the Dark Lake – an effectively haunting and evocative movement
No. 3. Witches’ Sabbath – A witches’ Sabbath is essentially a meeting of a coven of witches—an unholy meeting. This may be a case in which the title (as mentioned, chosen AFTER the composition was composed) does not match the music. Take a listen…
It sounds more like horses prancing in a parade. There are some moments later on that sound somewhat more nefarious, but still, twenty seconds into this clip and it becomes quite pleasant again—not exactly a witches Sabbath.
No. 4. On the Watch – sounds somewhat militaristic to me at first, but has some lovely, almost impressionistic moments as well. Definitely worth a listen.
No. 5. Silent Woods – my favorite. Peaceful, evocative; perfect music for self-reflection, or, dare I suggest that you put this on your iPod and get thee to a forest! At dusk! In the Czech Republic!
I suppose that may be asking too much, so instead, just listen to it and picture yourself there. You won’t regret it and you may even have a profound experience.
No. 6. In Stormy Times – this title fits, whether you’re imagining an actual storm or a figurative mental or emotional tempest.
HIGHLIGHTS: I am partial to No. 5 and No. 6. And speaking of No. 5 – Silent Woods – Dvořák transcribed it, years later, for cello and piano, and then a few years later, for cello and orchestra.
When a composer re-writes their own music, there are two main thoughts on the matter—one is that they thought better of their earlier composition and wanted to re-work it to hopefully improve it; the other is that they simply wanted to make it more accessible for more performers (and, also, to make more money). I personally like the version for cello and orchestra the best out of the three versions he wrote. The cello has a haunting quality that transports me right to the woods.
Today is not only Dvořák’s birthday, but also my sister’s birthday, and since she is an awesome sister and a great cellist, it makes sense to feature some cello music today! Happy Birthday Nissna (my nickname for her).
And here’s a YouTube link so you can hear and watch “Silent Woods” by Dvořák.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dasjimQ9PU
WHAT’S LEFT TO LISTEN TO BY Dvořák?: A ton. But I’ll do it!