Lithuanian Co/Sondeckis - Anton�n Dvo?�k: Bohemian Rhapsody

Antonin Dvorak composed his Concerto in B minor between 1894 and 1895 during his obligation as professor at the New York Conservatory. Hanu� Wihan, cellist of the Bohemian String Quartet had already asked him some time before to compose a concerto for his instrument, but Dvo?�k initially was rather reluctant to this idea. There had been some good reason so far for Dvorak�s former restraint since the alleged difficulties to write for cello and orchestra did the round in composer�s circles. Johannes Brahms proved this when he praised his colleague and friend Dvorak after having read through the score: Why didn�t I know before how to write a cello concerto like this? If I had known I had written one myself long time ago.