Dvořák: Slavonic Dances

Antonín Dvořák's "Slavonic Dances", which celebrate the Bohemian spirit and rhythmic brilliance, are brought to life once again in a vibrant new recording by the Czech Philharmonic under the baton of the masterful Sir Simon Rattle. These lively orchestral gems, full of rhythmic vitality, folkloric colors, and lyrical charm, are central to Dvořák's legacy and crucial to the definition of Czech national music. The "Slavonic Dances" were composed at a turning point in the composer's career and radiate joy, inventiveness, and national character – qualities that delighted audiences throughout Europe and beyond. Sir Simon Rattle has already enriched the label with the orchestra and Magdalena Kožená with "Czech Songs" (2024) and "Folk Songs" (2023). The Czech Philharmonic has been known by its current name since 1896, when it was conducted by Antonín Dvořák himself. It was named "Orchestra of the Year" by Gramophone in 2024 and received numerous other awards. This album follows the acclaimed recordings of Dvořák's Symphonies Nos. 7, 8 and 9 (2024) and the winner of the BBC Music Magazine Orchestral Award 2025, Bedřich Smetana's "Má Vlast", with chief conductor and music director Semyon Bychkov, as well as Dvořák's "Legends and Rhapsodies" with Tomáš Netopil.