Jiří Bělohlávek Conducts Dvořák's Symphony No. 5

Dvořák’s Fifth Symphony marks the beginning of the composer’s international success as well as the emergence of the symphonic style that would become his trademark. With a scope and complexity then unmatched in the composer’s repertoire, the Symphony No. 5 in F major, Op. 76, was composed in just seven weeks. Dvořák, who had just received a grant that finally allowed him to live comfortably, was free to devote all his energy to it and managed to channel his boundless creativity into a structure of pinpoint precision.

Once completed, it was dedicated to German maestro Hans von Bülow, who responded with these words: “Your dedication is worth more than a Grand Cross awarded by a prince.” To grasp the significance of such praise, just watch this rendition conducted by Jiří Bělohlávek—a specialist of Dvořák’s music—with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, who pay a vibrant tribute to this first major symphonic work in the composer’s oeuvre.

Photo © Ester Havlova