Serenade in D minor, Op. 44
 Antonin DVOŘÁK (1841-1904)

Dvořák's won international recognition during a prolific period in his life. The Wind Serenade op. 44 was written in only two weeks, and during the rest of the year he wrote his famous Slavonic Dances (for piano duet), several other orchestral works, a set of five folk choruses, two songs, a Capriccio for violin and piano, and some minor piano works. He also found time to orchestrate the Slavonic Dances when they became wildly popular throughout Europe.

The new Serenade was very well received. The following year, Hermann Krigar wrote, “What fine artistic expression, what compelling melodies and touching harmonic progressions the composer has at his disposal”. Brahms became a lifelong champion of the younger composer, and declared “A more lovely, refreshing impression of real, rich and charming creative talent you can't easily have... I think it must be a pleasure for the wind players!''

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