Antonin Dvorak’s Water Goblin is by far one of my favorite pieces of classical music. The energy of this piece is truly unique and often provides me with much needed inspiration to complete the day’s work. According to Wikipedia, Dvorak was a Czech composer who lived from the 1841-1904. His father played the zither (a stringed instrument that literally looks like a block of wood with strings), and doubled as a butcher.  Anton’s father wanted him to be a butcher as well, but he declined and began his musical education at the age of six. He  then studied the organ in Prague and eventually became very skilled in his use of the viola and violin.

After school, Dvorak became a full time musician, which required he teach piano lessons to make ends meet. It was through this venture that he met his wife. Initially, he fell for his wife’s older sister Josefina, and composed Cypress Trees for her. This attempt was in vain, because Josefina did not feel the same way about Dvorak and he eventually had to settle for her younger sister, Anna. They had nine kids, six surviving infancy.

Dvorak eventually gained recognition from the legendary Johannes Brahms. Their interactions greatly influenced Dvorak’s work. Dvorak’s notoriety increased and he began conducting orchestras in Moscow and St. Petersburg. He even received an honorary degree from the University at Cambridge and later accepted a professorship at Prague Conservatory instructing composition and instrumentation.  His success increased further and he moved to New York City, New York where he served as the director of the National Conservatory of Music from 1892-1895. Afterwards, he returned home to spend time with his family and died in 1904 of heart failure. Hats off to you Antonin Dvorak and thank you for your wonderful works.

Below you can find links to my favorite piece of Dvorak’s work “Water Goblin”. Enjoy.

Best,
Millard B. Latimer II, M. Ed.