Slavonic Dances, Op. 46 and Op. 72
Antonin Dvorak
Work background
Researched classical background
Dvorak's two sets of Slavonic Dances use the rhythmic characters of regional dances while supplying his own melodies. The first set draws mainly on Czech models; the second broadens the range to other Slavic dance types. Written for piano duet and also orchestrated by the composer, the sixteen pieces combine contrasting moods rather than telling a single story.
Inspiration and creative background
Named Slavic dance types and their characteristic rhythms provide the documented models; the principal melodies are Dvorak's own.
Slavonic Dances, series I, Op. 46, B83 | Antonin Dvorak
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Slavonic Dances, series II, Op. 72, B147 | Antonin Dvorak
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Compare a fiery fast dance with a dumka, and listen for the changes of mood within individual pieces.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Piano four hands originally; orchestral versions by the composer
Composition: 1878 and 1886 (two collections)
The date pair represents separate sets, each with piano-duet and orchestral versions, rather than continuous composition.
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.
Date, title and version notes
This entry groups two collections and two original performing media.
Slavonic Dances, series I, Op. 46, B83 | Antonin Dvorak
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Slavonic Dances, series II, Op. 72, B147 | 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
Slavonic Dances, series I, Op. 46, B83 | Antonin Dvorak
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Slavonic Dances, series II, Op. 72, B147 | Antonin Dvorak
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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