Symphony No. 7 in D minor, Op. 70
Antonin Dvorak
Work background
Researched classical background
Dvorak's Seventh is darker and more concentrated than the Eighth Symphony that followed it. Written for London, it combines a tense D-minor opening with a lyrical slow movement, a rhythmically layered scherzo, and a forceful finale. Short ideas develop into larger structures without losing their strongly characterized rhythms. The work's conclusion retains a severe public weight rather than turning into an uncomplicated festive ending.
A listening guide
Listen to the overlapping rhythms of the scherzo and compare the finale's force with the quieter first-movement opening.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1884-1885
Written for the London Philharmonic Society, with the premiere in London in 1885.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Symphony No. 7 in D Minor, Op. 70, B141 | Antonin Dvorak
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Symphony No. 7 in D Minor, Op. 70, B141 | Antonin Dvorak
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Browse by year
1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.