Romantic Thursday: Dvořák – Prague Waltzes (1879)

Prague Waltzes (Pražské valčíky), B. 99, is a ~9-minute orchestral work composed by Antonín Dvořák in December 1879 for a Prague Národní beseda ball.

It features a series of distinct dance melodies in triple rhythm, blending classical Viennese waltz structure with, rich, earthier Bohemian folk influences and instrumentation.

Key details about the Prague Waltzes:

  • Context: Commissioned for a 30th annual gala in 1879.
  • Style: Characterized by Bohemian folk flair, utilizing heavy woodwind, brass, and percussion instrumentation.
  • Structure: Composed of a series of waltzes with an introduction and coda.
  • Premiere: First performed in January 1880. 

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