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Antonín Dvořák – Life Milestones

Antonín Dvořák’s study at his country home in Vysoká
Dvořák’s study at his country residence in Vysoká, surrounded by portraits of composers who shaped his artistic world.

Antonín Dvořák emerged as one of the leading voices of Czech national music, blending folk-inspired lyricism with the structural discipline of the Central European symphonic tradition. From his rural beginnings in Bohemia to his directorship of the National Conservatory in New York, his life reflects the ascent of a composer who achieved international recognition while remaining deeply connected to his homeland.

1841

Born on September 8 in Nelahozeves, near Prague, into the family of an innkeeper and butcher.

1853

Begins serious musical studies in Zlonice, showing particular aptitude for violin and composition.

1857

Admitted to the Prague Organ School, where he receives formal training in theory and church music.

1861

Composes his first known completed work, the String Quartet in A major, dated June 6.

1864

Meets and falls in love with Josefina Čermáková, but his feelings are not returned.

1874

Marries her sister, Anna Čermáková. The same year he is appointed organist at St. Adalbert’s Church in Prague and wins the Austrian State Prize for his Symphony No. 3 — an award that brings him to the attention of Johannes Brahms.

1878

The Slavonic Dances are published, securing his international reputation, though the financial rewards prove modest compared to the profits earned by his publisher, Fritz Simrock.

1884

Makes his first visit to England, where he is warmly received.

1891

Awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Cambridge, confirming his growing international stature.

1892

Appointed director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York. During his American years he composes Symphony No. 9 From the New World, the “American” String Quartet, and the Cello Concerto.

1893

Spends the summer in Spillville, Iowa, among Czech immigrant communities. Visits Chicago and Niagara Falls. The world premiere of Symphony No. 9 takes place in New York to great acclaim.

1895

Returns to Prague and is appointed director of the Prague Conservatory.

1896

Composes The Golden Spinning Wheel and other symphonic poems. Travels to London for the premiere of the Cello Concerto.

1904

Dies on May 1 in Prague at the age of 63.

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  • As a teenager, Dvořák reportedly composed a polka for his village orchestra in an effort to impress his father, but wrote the trumpet part in the wrong key — an early episode that produced more laughter than applause.
  • Among his favorite pastimes were train-spotting and pigeon breeding. 
  • While living in New York, he developed a fascination with ships as well, spending time near the busy harbor of lower Manhattan, speaking with captains and sailors. The departures of transatlantic liners reportedly intensified his homesickness for Bohemia.

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