Dvořák: Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 13, B. 41

Dvořák: Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 13, B. 41 

The Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 13, B. 41, is a classical composition by Czech composer Antonín Dvořák.

The work

Dvořák composed his fourth symphony between January and March 1874. It shows an influence of Wagner in its themes' development, and even in its thematic material, i.e. principal theme of the second movement is a near-quotation from Tannhäuser, or the Trio section of the third movement includes a vivid reminder of a passage from the overture of Die Meistersinger. The influence of Brahms could also be heard. Both influences will pervade many of his subsequent works. Despite this and other influences Dvořák here shows true mastery in formal compositional aspects and some of his original, unique musical characteristics, which he will develop in his future works. A portion of the scherzo was reused in the march In Troublous Times from his set of piano duets From the Bohemian Forest.

[이 4번부터는 리스트, 바그너의 작품에서 서서히 벗어나기 시작 하지만 여전히 남아있는 바그너의 그림자는 결코 지을 수 없었다. 2악장의 주제가 바로 바그너의 오페라 탄호이저의 그것에서 따 온 것이기 떄문이다. 3번 교향곡에서 빠졌던 스케르초가 다시 가세하여 4악장의 흐름을 이끌고 있는 부분도 주목할 만 하다. 드보르작이 실연의 아픔에서 벗어나며 안정을 찾아서인지 3번 교향곡까지의 다소 불안정했던 구성은 이 4번부터는 침착하게 보인다. 3번과 마찬가지로 이 4번도 드보르작이 오스트리아의 정부로부터 작곡 장학금을 받기 위해 보헤미아의 음악적 색채를 의도적으로 드러낸 것 이라 다소 불만 이지만, 드보르작 교향곡의 전환기로 이해하면서 아쉬움을 덮어 두기로 하자.

[출처] Antonín Dvořák - Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 13, B. 41 |작성자 음악인

The first performance took place on May 25, 1874 at the concert of the Academy Readers' Society in Prague, and was conducted by Bedřich Smetana. The composer also revised the symphony at the end of 1887 and beginning of 1888.[1] The first (posthumous) edition of the symphony was published in 1912, and it is probable that this edition differs considerably from the 1874 original.[1]

Form[edit]

The work consists of four movements:

1. Allegro (D minor)

2. Andante sostenuto e molto cantabile (B♭ major)

3. Scherzo (Allegro feroce); D minor, Trio in C major

4. Finale: Allegro con brio (D minor → D major)

It is possible that the third movement of the symphony was initially an independent composition, completed before the other movements and added subsequently.[2] In the work is still apparent the earlier neo-romantic atmosphere, but as a whole, the composition already bears the hallmark of Dvořák's artistic individuality.[1] A typical performance of the work lasts about forty minutes. The 4th movement’s key signature changes to d major. The rest of the movment goes on ending in d major.

Instrumentation

The work is scored for an orchestra of two flutes (both doubling piccolo), two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, four horns, two trumpets, three trombones, timpani, bass drum, triangle, cymbals, harp, and strings.