Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104, B. 191
Antonin Dvorak
Work background
Researched classical background
Dvorak's B-minor concerto gives the orchestra an unusually substantial partnership with the cello. Written during his American period, it includes a quotation from one of his songs associated with Josefina Kounicova, his sister-in-law. After her death he expanded the finale's reflective closing section. The resulting work combines public virtuosity with passages of intimate musical recollection.
Inspiration and creative background
The song quotation and the revised closing passage are documented links to Josefina Kounicova and her death in 1895.
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor, Op. 104, B191 | 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
Hear how the soloist re-enters after the long opening orchestral statement, then notice the finale's late reflective pause.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Solo cello and orchestra
Composition: 1894-1895
Dvorak revised the finale's closing passage in 1895; the premiere followed in 1896.
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.
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor, Op. 104, B191 | 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
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor, Op. 104, B191 | 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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