Votseh GlavachComposer, organist and conductor
Date of Birth: 23.03.1849
Country: Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Career in Russia
- Conductor and Organizer
- Innovations and Compositions
- Royal Appointment and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Born in Prague, Antonín Dvořák studied piano under Josef Šimaha and organ under Antonín Liehmann at the Prague School of Organists.
Career in Russia
In 1871, Dvořák moved to St. Petersburg, where he served as organist at the Mariinsky Theater. He later conducted concerts at the St. Petersburg Assembly of Artists, summer concerts in various locations, and public concerts at the Konova Hall.
Conductor and Organizer
Dvořák organized and conducted the Student Symphony Orchestra, the Student Choir, and the Student Spiritual Orchestra. He was also commissioned by the Ministry of National Education to inspect music education in over 300 institutions, leading to the establishment of a commission to improve musical instruction.
Innovations and Compositions
Dvořák made attempts to improve the harmonium and piano, resulting in the creation of the "armoni piano," which extended the sustain of the piano. As a prolific composer, he wrote over 100 works, including the comic opera "The Huntsman," orchestral compositions, piano pieces, and over 50 songs.
Royal Appointment and Legacy
In 1900, Dvořák was appointed soloist-organist in the Imperial Orchestra. Shortly after, he became conductor of the Imperial Guard Band and received the title of His Majesty's Soloist. Dvořák's final composition was the "Sokol March."