Weekend Wildcard: Dvořák – Bagatelles Op.47 (1878)

Antonín Dvořák’s Bagatelles, Op. 47 (B. 79), composed in May 1878, are five short, lighthearted movements for two violins, cello, and harmonium (or piano). Written for amateur home music-making, they feature folk-like melodies, including a recurring theme from the song “Hrály dudy” (The bagpipes were playing). The 18-minute work highlights Dvořák’s skill in blending traditional, lively dance rhythms with rich, contrapuntal textures.

Key Details of Dvořák’s Bagatelles, Op. 47:

• Instrumentation: Unique, intimate combination of two violins, cello, and a harmonium (often replaced by piano in modern performances).
• Origin: Composed in just 12 days in 1878 for a circle of friends, specifically to be played at the home of cellist Josef Srb-Debrnov, which lacked a piano but had a harmonium.
• Structure:
  1. Allegretto scherzando (G minor, lively)
  2. Tempo di minuetto. Grazioso (G major, slower)
  3. Allegretto scherzando (G minor, light)
  4. Canon. Andante con moto (A, C major, lyrical)
  5. Poco allegro (G major/minor, energetic Finale)
• Character: Folk-influenced, romantic, and charming, designed for intimate, private settings rather than large concert halls.
• Cohesion: The first, third, and fifth movements are linked by shared thematic material.