The Romance in F Minor, Op. 11 (A. Dvorak) | FT. Pianist Mariel Ilusorio & Violinist Denise Huang

Summary

Dvorak's Romance for Violin and Orchestra in F minor, composed in 1877, is a poignant and reflective piece reworked from the Andante movement of his 1873 string quartet. Dedicated to violinist František Čech, who also premiered his violin concerto, the Romance was first performed with piano accompaniment and later published in orchestral form in 1879. Composed during a significant personal period, the work reflects Dvorak's emotional depth, coinciding with both his marriage to Anna Čermáková and the tragic loss of three children, blending personal sorrow with artistic creation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dvořák's *Romance in F minor* was composed in 1877 when he was 36 years old.
• 😀 The *Romance* was reworked from the Andante movement of Dvořák's String Quartet No. 5, written in 1873.
• 😀 Dvořák married Anna Čermáková in 1877, the same year he composed the *Romance*.
• 😀 Four years after composing the *Romance*, Dvořák tragically lost three of his children.
• 😀 The *Romance* was originally composed for violin and piano accompaniment.
• 😀 The piece was dedicated to violinist Ferdinand Laub, who later premiered Dvořák’s Violin Concerto.
• 😀 The orchestral version of the *Romance* was published in 1879 by Simrock.
• 😀 The *Romance* ends in F major, providing a sense of resolution and uplift.
• 😀 The piece showcases Dvořák's ability to transform themes from chamber music into larger orchestral works.
• 😀 The music performance includes several applause and music cue indicators, suggesting a live presentation or concert setting.

Q & A

Who composed the *Romance in F minor* and when was it written?

The *Romance in F minor* was composed by Antonín Dvořák in 1877, when he was 36 years old.

What was the original source for Dvořák's *Romance in F minor*?

The *Romance in F minor* was reworked from the Andante movement of Dvořák's 1873 String Quartet No. 5, also in F minor.

What significant life events were happening around the time Dvořák composed the *Romance in F minor*?

In 1877, Dvořák married Anna Čermáková. Four years later, in 1881, he tragically lost three of his children.

To whom was the *Romance in F minor* dedicated?

The *Romance in F minor* was dedicated to the violinist Ferdinand Laub.

What connection does Ferdinand Laub have with Dvořák's music?

Ferdinand Laub was not only the dedicatee of the *Romance in F minor* but also premiered Dvořák's Violin Concerto.

When was the orchestral version of the *Romance in F minor* published?

The orchestral version of the *Romance in F minor* was published in 1879 by Simrock.

What is the key of Dvořák's *Romance in F minor* and how does it end?

The *Romance in F minor* is in the key of F minor, and it concludes in the key of F major.

How does the *Romance in F minor* relate to Dvořák's String Quartet No. 5?

The *Romance in F minor* was derived from the Andante movement of Dvořák's String Quartet No. 5, which was composed in 1873.

What role did Simrock play in the publication of the *Romance in F minor*?

Simrock was the publisher that released the orchestral version of the *Romance in F minor* in 1879.

What is the significance of the musical excerpts and applause in the transcript?

The musical excerpts and applause in the transcript seem to correspond to a performance of the *Romance in F minor*, possibly reflecting the emotional and celebratory atmosphere surrounding its presentation.