Antonín Dvorák Romantische Stücke

Dvořák composed his Romantic Pieces op. 75 for violin and piano in 1887 for Josef Kruis, a chemistry student and keen amateur violinist who was the lodger of Dvořák’s mother-in-law. Inspired by the weekly lessons Kruis had with a member of the Prague National Theatre orchestra in his room, and the major role duets played in this, Dvořák composed short pieces for 2 violins and viola. A little later Dvořák re-arranged these Bagatelles into the four short pieces for violin and piano published here. Despite their simple means, Dvořák’s intention to compose expressive and attractive music make these short pieces attractive today for teaching or as audition pieces for more advanced violin students.