Serenade, Op. 22 (Dvorak) Russell Mikkelson

Band
Number of Players:Standard
Copyright:2006
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe 1
Oboe 2
Clarinet in Bb 1
Clarinet in Bb 2
Bassoon 1
Bassoon 2
Horn in F 1
Horn in F 2
Violoncello
Contrabass
The Serenade in E, Opus 22, for String Orchestra was written at a pivotal time in Dvorak's career. He had composed symphonies, operas, and chamber music for more than 12 years prior, but had met with little success. In 1874 he was awarded the Austrian State Prize for the first time on the the recommendation of Johannes Brahms, critic Eduard Hanslick and Johann von Herbeck. Brahms was so taken with the young composer that he introduced him to his publisher Simrock. Dvorak went on to become one of the most successful composers of his time.

The Serenade in E, Opus 2, for String Orchestra was written in May of 1875, less than three years prior to the Serenade in D minor, Opus 44 for chamber winds, cello and bass. It was the Opus 44 Serenade that inspired this wind setting of the Opus 22 Serenade. Similar to Opus 44, Mikkelson has set the Opus 22 Serenade for pairs of flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, and horns, cello, and bass. Study of Dvorak's wind serenade and orchestral writing revealed aspects of the composer's scoring practices for winds, which were implemented in the current setting of the Opus 22.