Dvorak, Antonin (1841-1904), Bohemian composer, born of humble parents at Nelabozeves. Destined at first to follow his father as an innkeeper and butcher, his-remarkable talent for music so attracted the attention of his first teacher that he was sent to the Prague organ school in 1857.

He joined the orchestra of the Bohemian Provisional Theatre at Prague in 1862, and 11 years later became organist of the church of St Adalbert in that town During this time he wrote many songs, overtures, and symphonies, and in 1874 produced his opera King and the Charcoal-Burner, which was not a success; he composed diligently in this period when he was for a time, under the strong influence of Wagner. His first success came outside the theatre, in 1873 his Hymnus with text by Halek was well received.

Then through the influence of Brahms, Vienna became interested in his work, and after the publishing of his Moravian Duets and particularly his Slavonic Dances, in 1878, his fame spread into most countries. He was appointed director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York (1892-95), and in l901 director of the Prague Conservatory. The most successful of his choral works produced in England was Stabat Mater in 1883. He visited England several times up to 1887, conducting The Spectre's Bride, the Requiem, and St Ludmila. His other works included 9 symphonies (the last entitled From the New World), several symphonic poems, violin concerto, cello concerto, much chamber music, 10 operas and songs.