Antonín Dvořák

Hero's Song, A, op. 111/B. 199 (Pisen Bohatyrska, Ein Heldenlied)

Antonín Dvorák (1841-1904) composed A HERO'S SONG (PÍSEN BOHATÝRSKÁ), Op. 111/B. 199, in 1897, making it his final symphonic poem and one of his last major orchestral works. Unlike his earlier programmatic pieces based on Czech folklore, this score is often interpreted as a deeply personal reflection of the composer's own creative journey and artistic triumphs. The work received its premiere in Vienna on December 4, 1898, conducted by Gustav Mahler, and was warmly received for its vigorous themes, colorful orchestration, and rousing spirit. Today, A HERO'S SONG is less frequently performed than Dvorák's symphonies or his earlier symphonic poems such as THE WATER GOBLIN and THE NOON WITCH, yet it remains a compelling testament to his late style - an affirmation of strength and individuality that closes his orchestral tone poem output with grandeur and conviction. This critical edition based on the composer's manuscript is edited by Otakar Sourek, Antonín Pokorný, Karel Solc and Jirí Berkovec. Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2: 4.2.3.1: Timp.Perc(2-3): Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set). Reprint edtion.