Dvořák composed his fourth symphony between January and March 1874. It shows an influence of Wagner in its themes' development, and even in its thematic material, i.e. principal theme of the second movement is a near-quotation from Tannhäuser, and the Trio section of the third movement includes a vivid reminder of a passage from the overture of Die Meistersinger. The influence of Brahms could also be heard. Both influences will pervade many of his subsequent works. Despite these and other influences, Dvořák here shows true mastery in the formal aspects of his composition and also displays some of his original and even unique musical characteristics, which he will develop further in his future works. A portion of the scherzo was reused in the march In Troublous Times from his set of piano duets From the Bohemian Forest.

Date of composition 1874 (Composed between January and March 1874. Revised in 1887-1888)
Premiered 1874, May 25th in Prague, Czech Republic by Bedřich Smetana
First published 1912 in Berlin, Germany
Type Symphony
Tonality D Minor
Catalogue Op. 13
Approx. duration 40 minutes
Instruments Orchestra
Autotranslations beta Antonín Dvořák: Symphonie n°4 en ré mineur, Op. 13
Antonín Dvořák: Sinfonia n. 4 in re minore, Op. 13
Antonín Dvořák: Sinfonie Nr. 4 d-moll, Op. 13