Characteristic approaches

REMINISCENCE

The principle of reminiscence was applied relatively frequently in 19th-century music, yet Dvořák made exceptional use of it in his works. It is featured not only in his operas in the form of leitmotifs, but also frequently in his instrumental musical pieces. In some cases, this is merely the main theme from the first movement, returning in the final movement to reinforce the cyclical nature of the piece. In other compositions, the principle of reminiscence is employed with much greater deliberation and, in so doing, it plays a major role in structuring the work.

CONTRAST

Dvořák used the principle of contrast on various levels: with regard to harmony (frequently oscillation between major and minor keys), tempo and rhythm (highly contrasting passages in dumkas) and instrumentation (such as a tutti orchestra versus a chamber arrangement in the close of the Largo in Symphony No. 9). Dvořák had an exceptional sense of the contrast principle and was able to apply it to great effect.