The dumka is a Eastern European phenomenon; it’s mostly Slav (though the Hungarians have a close relative in the csárdás). It consists, musically, of a alternation between a slow (frequently melancholy) opening followed by a fast, lively dance-like section, both of which may be repeated – simplicity itself!
It’s rather surprising then that, for the last of his four piano trios, the classically, sonata-orientated Dvořák should turn to a form(?) that’s almost the antithesis of the idea of symphonic development, writing a piece that not only contains dumky but consists solely of six of them!
Dvořák: Dumky Trio,
Op. 90
I. Lento maestoso –
Allegro vivace, quasi doppio movimento 0:00
II. Poco adagio –
Vivace non troppo 4:32
III. Andante – Vivace non troppo –
Andante – Allegretto 12:04
IV. Andante moderato (Quasi tempo di marcia) –
Allegretto scherzando – Meno mosso –
Allegro – Moderato 18:34
V. Allegro 24:38
VI. Lento maestoso – Vivace, quasi movimento –
Lento – Vivace 28:42
An interesting example of role reversal: Dvořák becomes very Czech for his piano trio while Smetana (the nationalist), for his, produces a impassioned but traditionally shaped work.
It’s an elegiac piece, written in memory of his eldest daughter, Bedřiška, who had died of scarlet fever.
Smetana: Trio in g,
Op. 15
00:22 Moderato assai
11:51 Allegro ma non agitato
19:25 Presto
Dvořák: Eighth Symphony in G
After the venture across into international territory that is the Seventh Symphony. Dvořák returns home to his native Bohemia with the pastoral spirit and folk-like melodies of his Eighth. Melodies are everywhere but, unlike his early symphonies, where the melodies themselves seemed to run the show, here it’s the mature composer who’s in charge, directing and placing his lyrical ideas with a masterly touch:
Allegro con brio 00:28
Adagio 10:36
Allegretto grazioso – Molto vivace 22:05
Allegro, ma non troppo 28:00 ∙
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The Art of Listening 