Life & Works - Antonin Dvorak

By: Jeremy Siepmann

Narrated by: Jeremy Siepmann, Sean Barrett, Jonathan Keeble, Garrick Hagon, Caroline Friend, Daniel Philpott, Michael Tudor Barnes

One of the best-loved composers of all time, Dvorák rose from rural origins to become not only a great but an influential composer. The first composer to put his native Bohemia on the musical map of the world, he was invited to do the same for America. One result was the famous "New World" Symphony, which made him a household name across the globe. Writing music of irresistible color, lilt and peasant vitality, he was also a melodist-in-a-million. This portrait-in-sound follows a lovable and in many ways a very simple, man from hay cart to imperial palace, from tragic loss to heart-warming joy, to pigeon-raising and world celebrity.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2004 Naxos AudioBooks (P)2004 Naxos AudioBooks

Short and sweet

A nicely packaged overview of Dvorak’s life intermixed with excellent music. A great listen, I enjoyed it.

Serviceable, lightweight bio with music

I love the format, mixing the text with music. I would have been happy with twice or three times as much of each, and would have preferred more depth. I found the narration over the top; the emotion, the cultured accents, were overdone. At times it felt like a Monty Python sketch. But if you're looking for the basics of Dvorak's life and a taste of his music, it's a good choice.

Nicely balanced

This winning portrait of a composer only now receiving his due — is nicely balanced as are similar Naxos Great courses type presentations.

Wonderful insight into this great composer's life.

Well written and performed, a treat for anyone interested. Wonderful insight into this great composer's life.

Another Great Book

This whole series is so beautifully informative. I do have to say Dvorak is my favorite, so far. Great mix of music and life story and well performed. Thank you so much!