Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904)
Autograph musical quotation signed ('Antonín Dvořák'), 'Thema v Simfonie D moll' (Theme from the Symphony [no.7] in D minor), Prague, 17 May 1885
A generous quotation from one of the great symphonies of the 19th century, inspired by the Czech struggle for national identity.

9 bars notated for piano in two systems of two staves, in violet ink on one leaf, 233 x 330mm, cut down from a larger leaf.

Provenance:
(1) Sotheby's, 7 December 2015, lot 155.

(2) Schøyen Collection, MS 5563.

The quotation is from the second subject in the first movement, which first appears in the flute and clarinets, accompanied by the second violins and viola, from bar 73.

One of the composer's greatest works, Dvořák's 7th Symphony, op.70, B.141, was commissioned by the London Philharmonic Society, but inspired by the political struggles of the Czech people. It was completed on 17 March 1885, and first performed at St James's Hall in London on 22 April 1885, only a few weeks before the present quotation. In spite of its great success in London, Dvořák's publisher, Simrock, was notably reluctant to publish the work, and it was not performed in Germany until 1887.