Aug 28, 2008
Pages tagged “Dvorak”
Performed by the Prague String Quartet: Jan Sirc, Lubomir Maly, Karel Pribyl, Bretislav Novotny.
How should we feel about avowedly “national” music? Remember, if you value “patriotism”, for instance, as all the presidential candidates are required to avow every hour, on the hour, you must respect patriotism in nations other than your own. Otherwise it’s not patriotism per se you value, but some kind of hegemony, cultural or political.
Johannes Brahms may have accepted the dedication of Dvorakâs String Quartet in d minor, op. 34 (1877), but (in rather gentle manner for Brahms, when in a critical mood) wrote to Dvorak that when filling in the sharps and flats in his music he should take another look at the notes themselves, and noted (with implicit criticism) how quickly Dvorak composed. Is this criticism fair?
I do not anticipate having time in class to discuss Smetana's Trio in g minor or Dvorakâ's late folk/fairy tale opera The Devil and Kate but I'd like to recommend these fine pieces to my class, and of course my general readership as well.
Dvorak's Opera "Wanda" (Vanda) on WFMT Tuesday April 8
This is just a very brief heads-up for those taking Johnâs Dvorak class, or anyone whoâs a Czech opera fan.
This is just a very brief heads-up for those taking Johnâs Dvorak class, or anyone whoâs a Czech opera fan.
A Tale of Dvorak in Two Cities
Those taking John’s upcoming Dvorak Class may expect to learn about the composer’s place in the “nationalism in music” movement that swept through Europe in the 19th century. But one of the more interesting parts of Dvorak’s biography is his championing of an American nationalism in music during his time in the United States in the 1890s.
Those taking John’s upcoming Dvorak Class may expect to learn about the composer’s place in the “nationalism in music” movement that swept through Europe in the 19th century. But one of the more interesting parts of Dvorak’s biography is his championing of an American nationalism in music during his time in the United States in the 1890s.
A Splendid CD
Smetana: Macbeth and the Witches; Dvorak: Prelude to Spectre’s Bride, The Water Goblin, and The Hussites, Prague Symp.With Smetacek, Czech Phil with Chalarala, on Urania.
Smetana: Macbeth and the Witches; Dvorak: Prelude to Spectre’s Bride, The Water Goblin, and The Hussites, Prague Symp.With Smetacek, Czech Phil with Chalarala, on Urania.
Upcoming Graham School Classes: Some Suggested Preparation
By April 1, syllabi will be available for Tuesday’s Baroque, Wednesday’s Beethoven, and Thursday’s Dvorak class, on this site. I regret that I do not get these syllabi up earlier, but I prepare up to the very last minute and things don’t come fully into focus until the 11th hour…partially because I never use old syllabi, formats, or readings, but re-think every class I give, even standard “Life and Works” classes that I’ve taught many times. For some, my lack of rigid adherence to a given syllabus is problematical, but others prefer spontaneity and flexibility; probably it is best to steer something like a middle course.
By April 1, syllabi will be available for Tuesday’s Baroque, Wednesday’s Beethoven, and Thursday’s Dvorak class, on this site. I regret that I do not get these syllabi up earlier, but I prepare up to the very last minute and things don’t come fully into focus until the 11th hour…partially because I never use old syllabi, formats, or readings, but re-think every class I give, even standard “Life and Works” classes that I’ve taught many times. For some, my lack of rigid adherence to a given syllabus is problematical, but others prefer spontaneity and flexibility; probably it is best to steer something like a middle course.
Registration Open for Spring 2008 Classes
Iâve just added pages for Johnâs Spring 2008 Classes. There are three classes: Music of the Baroque Era (Tuesdays), Life and Works of Beethoven (Wednesdays), and Dvorak and the Rise of Musical Nationalism (Thursdays). Syllabus and recommended books, etc. will follow very soon.
Iâve just added pages for Johnâs Spring 2008 Classes. There are three classes: Music of the Baroque Era (Tuesdays), Life and Works of Beethoven (Wednesdays), and Dvorak and the Rise of Musical Nationalism (Thursdays). Syllabus and recommended books, etc. will follow very soon.