Dance Invitation

The Carnival Overture was composed in 1891 when Dvořák was already one of the most acclaimed composers of his time. It is part of a cycle of three concert overtures, which were initially intended to bear the titles Nature, Life, and Love. Carnival was the second of them and, in the composer's conception, it represented life. Indeed, this work is a celebration of life, full of musical energy, dance-like melodies, and moments of nostalgia. As Dvořák himself noted: this piece expresses the feelings of a solitary, contemplative wanderer who, at dusk, arrives at a city in the midst of a carnival. From all sides, one can hear the clang of instruments mixed with shouts of joy and the unrestrained merriment of people.

Haydn's Cello Concerto No. 2 is one of those works without which the classical canon would be unimaginable. Written somewhat casually during his work on monumental operas, it now belongs to the repertoire of nearly every virtuoso cellist. Although Haydn himself was never a virtuoso, he infused his concerto with numerous dance-like melodies, compelling the cello to "sing."

Dance also inspired Szymanowski when he composed Symphony No. 2, one of his most outstanding orchestral works. Folk melodies in the second part impart an exceptionally joyous character, reminiscent of a festive celebration, while the first part is filled with extraordinary musical passion, featuring captivating passages for solo violin.

Dvořák's Overture Carnival performed by SWR Symphonieorchester conducted by Christoph Eschenbach:

Haydn's Cello Concerto No. 2 performed by Maximilian Hornung and the Bayerische Kammerphilharmonie conducted by Gabriel Adorján:

Szymanowski's Symphony No. 2 performed by the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice conducted by Karol Stryja: