Main content

Dvořák: Serenade for Strings

Building a Library surveys recordings of Dvořák's Serenade for Strings in E major.

Sarah Devonald for Building a Library surveys recordings of Dvořák's Serenade for Strings in E major.

In his early thirties and with a newborn son, Antonín Dvořák was struggling to make ends meet, a professional viola player and virtually unknown as a composer, without even a piano to his name. But in 1874 he won a state competition which not only came with a very welcome cash prize but also the recognition and enthusiastic endorsement of one of the most influential names in music, Johannes Brahms. The sunny and genial five-movement Serenade for Strings is one of a clutch of new works from the following year and marks the beginning of Dvořák's international reputation.

Recommended Recording:

Prague Philharmonia; Jakub Hruša (conductor)

Supraphon SU39322

Other Recommended Recordings:

Below are other recordings that Sarah also liked, although we can’t guarantee the availability of these discs.

Orpheus Chamber Orchestra

DG 4153642

Czech Chamber Orchestra; Josef Vlach (conductor)

Supraphon SU42032

English Chamber Orchestra; Charles Mackerras (conductor)

Classics For Pleasure CDCFP4597

Release date:

Duration:

48 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Composer Antonín Dvořák

More clips from Record Review