Credits:

Gerard Schwarz

Description:

Dvok: Symphony No. 6, Janek: PastoralSchwartz & the Seattle SymphonyDvoks Symphony No. 6, which possesses a particularly bright character among his symphonies, was composed in 1880. However, due to its style and key, it is often noted for its connection to Brahmss Symphony No. 2, written three years earlier. It is a masterpiece filled with serene and beautiful melodies. Commissioned by Hans Richter, it was originally scheduled to be premiered by the Vienna Philharmonic in 1880, but this did not come to pass (according to one account, some members refused to perform a Czech work). Ultimately, the premiere took place the following year, in March 1881, in Prague; the next year, it was performed in London and Leipzig; and it was not until 1883 that it was finally premiered in Vienna.Janeks other work, *Pastoral*, was premiered in Brno in 1878. Although it lacks the rich, viscous quality character