1872–1877

The mid-1870s witnessed the most important turning-point in Dvořák’s entire musical development. After years of searching, the composer was now able to crystallise his distinctive compositional style, laying down the foundations for his typical means of expression. Certain works from the beginning of this period still betray elements of his previous developmental phase (e.g. in Symphony No. 3 in E flat major), while works from the last few years of this period may now be described as wholly “Dvořákian” (e.g. Stabat Mater or Serenade in E major). This was also the period in which the composer began significantly to increase his output and enjoy his first successes on the concert platform.