Dvorak's Slavonic Dances were written in 1878 partly because of the popularity of the Hungarian Dances by Brahm's in 1869.
While the latter used folk melodies in his dances, Dvorak used original melodies, which, however, have the true flavour of Slavonic folk songs and dances.
Some of the dances are lively and vigorous; others are tender and a bit sad. All demonstrate the composer's craftmanship and artistry and caused his name to become known throughout Europe.
Instrumentation:
1 x full score
8 x 1st violin
8 x 2nd violin
3 x 3rd violin (viola TC)
5 x viola
5 x cello
5 x bass
1 x piccolo
1 x 1st flute
1 x 2nd flute
1 x 1st oboe
1 x 2nd oboe
1 x 1st Bb clarinet
1 x 2nd Bb clarinet
1 x Bb bass clarinet
1 x Eb alto saxophone
1 x Bb tenor saxophone
1 x 1st bassoon
1 x 2nd bassoon
1 x 1st F horn
1 x 2nd F horn
1 x 3rd F horn
1 x 4th F horn
1 x 1st Bb trumpet
1 x 2nd Bb trumpet
1 x 1st trombone
1 x 2nd trombone
1 x 3rd trombone
1 x tuba
1 x timpani
2 x percussion
1 x piano
