Dvorak’s Slavonic Dances were written in 1878 partly because of the popularity of the Hungarian Dances written by Brahms in 1869. While the latter used folk melodies in his dances, Dvorak used original melodies, which however, have the true flavour of Slavonic folk songs and dances. Some of the dances are lively and vigorous, others are tender and a bit sad. All demonstrate the composer’s craftsmanship and artistry and caused his name to become known throughout Europe.
