Nationalistic Composers The 19th century was a time in which passionate nationalism was prevalent and which saw many political upheavals. Composers from many European countries became determined to develop a "national style" of music for their homeland. They turned to the dances, folk songs, history, and national legends of their countries as a basis for their musical compositions.
Antonin Dvorak Born in Sept. 1841 in Bohemia (now part of Czech Republic) Bohemia (green part) in relation to Czech Republic
Antonin Dvorak Dvorak studied music in Prague's only organ school. Dvorak also played the violin and viola.
Dvořák fell in love with one of his pupils, Josefína Čermáková, and wrote a song cycle, Cypress Trees, in an attempt to woo her heart. Josefina married another man. Dvorak married her sister Anna. Dvorak came to America in 1892.
Dvorak is part of a group of composers labeled “nationalists.” Symphony No. 9 (“From the New World”) is probably Dvorak’s most famous piece. This piece is also called the “New World Symphony.” The following is the 2nd movement of this symphony: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYl4Xb4cDQ8&feature=related This is the 4th movement: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqoDVuGX8JI