1861–1868

The most important compositions from Dvořák’s early period are his first two symphonies, the String Quintet in A minor and the String Quartet in A major. Given his previous lack of experience in the composition of major forms, these works are remarkable. They all betray a surfeit of invention which had yet to be credibly exploited. The works reveal the influence of the Viennese classics, particularly Schubert, Beethoven and Mozart, yet they also already show signs of Dvořák’s subsequent characteristic language.