Presents
Antonin Dvorak
Bagatelles for 2 Violins, Cello & Piano or Violin, Viola, Cello & Piano, Op.47
Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904) needs no introduction. The Bagatelles were composed in 12 days at the beginning of May 1878, which was in many ways Dvorak’s breakthrough year in terms of international success. On the strength of the enthusiastic reception earlier that year to his first group of Slavonic Dances, Op.46, Dvorak's publisher Simrock immediately suggested that he compose something for the home music making market, which at that time was as popular as streaming and CDs are today and a tremendous source of income for publishers. Dvorak had just such a group in mind, friends with whom he frequently played, usually taking the part of the viola or the harmonium. It was with them in mind that he produced the Bagatelles originally entitled in Czech Malickosti. Although the themes are less complicated and make fewer demands on the players, this cannot be described as music in a simpler style. The fact that the Bagatelles were so quickly composed is a tribute to Dvorak's talent as there is nothing mediocre about the work. It is full of appealing melodies, which Simrock used to joke Dvorak could 'pull out of his sleeve'.
The main theme of the first movement, Allegretto scherzando is heard at the beginning of the first and third movements and quotes the Czech folksong “Hrály dudy” (The bagpipes were playing). No doubt, this and the fact that he could play the harmonium (a reed organ), led Dvorak to include the harmonium into the mix. But Simrock recognizing the limited appeal of a work with harmonium insisted on a piano part as well. And we, recognizing that there are so few works for 2 violins, cello and piano, have created a viola part in lieu of the Violin 2 part so that it can be played by a standard piano quartet. However, we do offer another work for 2 violins, cello and piano and that is Luzzatto's Suite.
| (A) 2 Violins, Cello & Piano | $19.95 |
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| (B) Violin, Viola, Cello & Piano | $19.95 |
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| (C) All 4 Parts | $26.95 |
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