Dvořák composed his String Sextet in A major, Op. 48, in less than two weeks in May 1878, shortly after the success of his Slavonic Dances.
Recording & Production
The Sextet was recorded using XY technique with one microphone per instrument plus room microphones, while the two Trios used AB technique with two Neumann M49 microphones.
Compositional Technique
The String Sextet, Op. 48, incorporates folk dance forms, replacing the slow movement with a Ukrainian dumka and the scherzo with a Czech furiant.
Composer Biography
Antonín Dvořák, a 36-year-old composer from Prague, was recommended to publisher Fritz Simrock by Johannes Brahms in 1877, leading to Dvořák's overnight fame.
Performer Biography
The Auryn Quartet, founded in 1981, has maintained the same personnel for 27 years, which contributes to their unified interpretations.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Dvořák's self-characterization as a 'very simple Bohemian music-maker' is an understatement, as his craftsmanship and sense of artifice were highly skilled.
Composition History
Dvořák composed the Terzetto in C Major for Two Violins and Viola, Op. 74, in just one week in January 1887, inspired by hearing his mother-in-law's subtenant playing duets.
