Symphony No. 9, ‘New World’
Dvořák’s attempt to write a symphony using native American music and spirituals has ear-catching melodies and evocative orchestration.
Recommended recording: Baltimore Symphony Orchestra/Marin Alsop Naxos 8.570714
Slavonic Dances
Dvořák originally composed his zestful tribute to the folk music of his homeland for piano duet. Such was the success of the first series that he wrote a sequel.
Recommended recording: Czech Philharmonic Orchestra/Charles Mackerras Supraphon SU 3808-2
Rusalka
Dvořák's most famous opera is widely known for the title character’s beautiful 'Invocation to the Moon'.
Recommended recording: Ana María Martínez, Larissa Diadkova; Glyndebourne Chorus; LPO/Jiří Bělohlávek Glyndebourne GFOCD 007-09
String Quartet No. 12, ‘American’
Dvořák composed string quartets during most of his career. His American Quartet took inspiration from spirituals.
Recommended recording: Prazák Quartet Praga PR 250110
Cello Concerto
Arguably the greatest of the Romantic cello concertos – an impassioned hymn to his homeland and a poignant tribute to his recently deceased sister-in-law.
Recommended recording: Pieter Wispelwey; Budapest Festival Orchestra/Iván Fischer Channel CCSSA 25807
