New Zealand String Quartet 2016 Photo: NZSQ
In the early part of his career Antonín Leopold Dvořák (1841-1904) made most of his living playing the viola in the orchestra of the Czech Provisional Theatre in Prague.
But in 1877 he submitted a folio of compositions and was granted an Austrian State Stipendium and became a full-time composer.
Kathryn Stott Photo: Lorenzo Cicconi Massi
Ten years later this Piano Quintet reveals the mature Dvořák as a master of the compositional craft.
Two principal elements pervade the Quintet: strongly rhythmic dance-like motifs contrasting with lyrical lines that suggest Czech folk song.
There are four movements and the second one is a Dúmka - a Slavic song that alternates between melancholy and extroverted joy.
Recorded 8 May 2017, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington by RNZ Concert
Producer: David McCaw
Engineer: Darryl Stack
