Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88
by Antonín Dvořák
Dvořák's Eighth Symphony (1889) is his most lyrical and folk-inflected symphony — a work of pastoral joy and Czech national character that contrasts with the grand statements of the "New World" Symphony. A flute solo opens the first movement unexpectedly; the Adagio is one of Dvořák's most expressive slow movements; the third movement is a lilting Allegretto rather than a conventional scherzo; and the finale is a set of variations on a bold trumpet fanfare theme. The work was composed in Dvořák's summer house in Vysoká with characteristic spontaneity and remains one of the sunniest symphonies in the repertoire.
Movements
Editions
Simrock
Original edition, 1890
Dvořák's original publisher; the historical source text.
Bärenreiter
Jarmil Burghauser, 1974
Critical edition from the complete Dvořák works; the scholarly standard.
Eulenburg
Pocket score, 1960
Standard study score for analysis and conducting study.