The serenade flourished in Mozart’s era, but with Brahms the genre experienced a new surge in popularity in the 19th century. Dvořák’s cheerful and relaxed op. 22 came into being in 1875, during a very happy time for him both professionally and privately. He put his personal stamp on the five-movement composition by incorporating stylized Slavonic dances. The spirited finale captivates by restating themes from the previous movements. Since its premiere in 1876 the work, with its melodic richness and particular harmonic modulations, has enjoyed great acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Today it is among Dvořák’s most popular and most frequently performed compositions.

As well as the autograph and printed editions, the composer’s copy of the printed score with autograph corrections and additions has been consulted for Henle’s Urtext edition.

Peter Jost (Editor)