Slaviska danser nr 1-8

Although Dvořák‘s Slavonic Dances is inspired by Czech and Bohemian folk dances, he never quotes existing melodies, instead preferring to compose entirely new music based on their various styles. The result is an exquisite blend of folk, classical and melancholic progressions. The first and last dances are based on a furiant, a fiery Bohemian dance. No. 2 is a dumka, a slower, more thoughtful piece with Ukrainian roots. This is followed by a high-spirited polka. The well-known, somewhat melancholy No. 4 and No. 6 are sousedská, in three-four time, like waltzes with a dash of mazurka. Nos. 5 and 7 are skocná, in two-four time and involving much hopping and skipping at a high tempo.

Slavonic Dances proved to be an enormous success for Dvořák – both as a cohesive work and as individual pieces – so much so that eight years later he composed another set of eight.