Dvořák chose a German libretto by Karl Theodor Körner for his first opera, Alfred, possibly because he could not afford the rights to an original Czech libretto.
Recording & Production
This recording of Dvořák's Alfred is the first ever, aiming to give enthusiasts a unique opportunity to familiarize themselves with a key work from the composer's early period.
Critical Reception
Dvořák's Alfred was never performed during his lifetime, and excerpts were first broadcast on Czechoslovak Radio in 1938, with a full premiere in Czech translation later that year.
Compositional Technique
In composing Alfred, Dvořák was inclined towards the 'Grand Opéra' style, which features expansive 'scenic pictures' with a significant role for the chorus as a 'collective hero'.
Composition History
Dvořák's first opera, Alfred, was composed in 1870, when he was a violist for the Prague Provisional Theatre.
Historical Context
The libretto for Alfred, by Karl Theodor Körner, reflects the patriotic efforts of Germans during the Napoleonic wars, praising the victorious battle between early Britons and hostile invaders.
Composer Biography
Dvořák's early compositional period, which includes Alfred, was referred to by the composer himself as his 'crazy period' due to his experimentation, influenced by Richard Wagner.
