Written whilst holidaying at his summer residence in Vysoka, Dvořák’s Humoresques are a cycle of 8 short works based on musical motifs and snippets found in his sketchbooks from his time in America.
The motifs present an eclectic palette of moods, from cheerful and dance-like to ethereally melancholic - the perfect blend of which is achieved in by far the most popular movement in the cycle, the 7th.
With its lilting rhythms and charming melodies the 7th Humoresque has seen many arrangements made for various instruments and ensembles over the years, and whilst its fame and popularity have lasted since its first performance, the rest of the pieces in the cycle are practically unknown despite being just as charming.
Programme note © Amy Campbell
