Hanuš Wihan (1855–1920)

Czech cellist and teacher, member of the Czech Quartet. He was a close friend of Dvořák, and the composer dedicated his Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor to him, along with his Rondo in G minor. Wihan proposed extensive revisions to the solo part of the Concerto, in particular, the incorporation of a virtuosic cadenza in the third movement, which Dvořák did not agree to. Wihan joined Dvořák and violinist Ferdinand Lachner to perform piano trios in a series of “farewell” concerts which Dvořák organised in 1892 before his departure for the United States. They appeared in forty concerts held in Czech and Moravian towns and cities, together presenting Dvořák’s chamber pieces, especially the Dumky” Piano Trio. Wihan regularly promoted Dvořák’s works and Czech music in general in the programmes he put together for his domestic and foreign tours.