Beskrivelse
Even the most casual listener is familiar with Antonin Dvorak’s great symphony “From the New World,” but very little is known about his life, his struggles, or the spectacular triumphs he experienced both in Britain and the United States. Drawing upon twenty-five years of reseaarch and study, John Clapham has produced the most detailed account of the Bohemian composer’s life and musical career to appear in the English language. Starting with his early years, we follow the young musician through his formative period; we learn of his complicated relations with his publishers and how he was influenced by Brahms; finally, struggling with his innate modesty, he achieved musical maturity and international acclaim. The author has unearthed many new facts unknown to Otakar Sourek, Dvorak’s Czech biographer. Throughout the book, full attention is paid to critical examination of Dvorak’s compositions, including the operas. They are analyzed and reassessed in relation to the music of his contemporaries as well as within the context of his own oeuvre. Appendices provide a chronology of Dvorak’s life and major performances, a complete dated list of every piece of music he composed, and a pathologist’s view of his final illness and death. Lavishly illustrated and completely authoritative, this biography is an essential addition to every music lover’s library.
