Dvořák: 3 Slavonic Rhapsodies, Op. 45, B 86 (with Score)

Antonín Dvořák:
3 Slavonic Rhapsodies, Op. 45, B 86 (with Score)
Composed: 1878
Conductor: Zdenek Kosler
Orchestra: Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
00:00 Slavonic Rhapsody No. 1 in D major
12:29 Slavonic Rhapsody No. 2 in g minor
24:40 Slavonic Rhapsody No. 3 in A-flat major
Slavonic Rhapsody No. 1 in D major is written in rondo form, A-B-A-B-A. The first theme (A) is a broadly arching pastoral melody, followed by a somewhat more lively syncopated motif (B). The piece reaches its climax in the middle section, in which both themes are interwoven contrapuntally in a kind of jubilant paean to nature.
Slavonic Rhapsody No. 2 in G minor is more complex in nature, its unified expression stemming chiefly from the highly rhythmical chromatic main theme. Its sense of defiance is balanced by the secondary theme which introduces an atmosphere of dignified solemnity into the work. In comparison with the first rhapsody, the music here is more dramatic, its harmonic development more elaborate, and the piece gradually steps up the pace until it reaches its theatrical coda.
Slavonic Rhapsody No. 3 in A flat major is to a certain degree reminiscent of the composer’s Symphony No. 8 in G major. The piece consists of a colourful mosaic of different moods, while its prevailing mood is joyful and optimistic. The work opens with the main theme in the solo harp, thus emphasising its rhapsodic, narrative character. The composition treats three principal themes which appear variously in different guises. The overall impression of the work is somewhat marred by the addition of “false” endings, which are followed by further contrasting passages.
www.antonin-dvorak.cz/en/work...

[@emanuel_soundtrack]

It is amazing how this has ZERO themes. FOrmally it has themes, but this is not evident to hear. Maybe someone know why? Was this composed for some occasion?

[@ClassicalMusicAndSoundtracks]

What do you mean? There are actually many themes, but if what you want to say is that the melodies are unpredictable, namely not organized around central themes, it's infact the point of a rhapsody. In few words, a rhapsody is a different thing in respect to the most common forms of classical music, like for example the sonata-form or the rondò. The traditional forms are more predictable, organized around central themes, while a rhapsody goes from one theme to the next one in a unordered way because it doesn't have a defined form.

[@nicholasfox966]

I see your point, and I think it has more to do with how the themes are presented than in their actual existence. They seem to be presented "mid-form", as though they had already been presented expositionally, and we are now hearing a development of them. This conveys a sense of thematic vagueness, which I think is what you hear. But, of course, there are themes.

[@derianalveswolanski9855]

4:46

[@anangryjuicebox2799]

19:01

[@ValzainLumivix]

24:39

[@herbchilds1512]

The third is the most beautiful (the harp opening recalls the opening of Smetana's "Vysehrad"),
the second is hardly any less beautiful, but in a different mood, and subtly effective; the first
is less melodic, but what would you call it, patriotic? All three are evocative "soul music" from
the Bohemian fields and forests and villages.

[@Raikaska]

12:05 XDDDDDDD