Trainspotter

Kate Molleson journeys across Dvořák’s life through his passion for all things transport.

Antonin Dvořák was one of the most heartfelt tunesmiths in classical music - a man who not only brought the sound of Czech folklore to the world, but also had an indelible impact on the musical nationhood of America. As a character he was sometimes shy, sometimes melancholy, routinely homesick and deeply passionate. Through the week Kate Molleson explores five windows onto Dvořák’s soul, aspects of life that were really central to his convictions and his music.

Today we join Dvořák on some of his most memorable travels. As a boy, he grew up watching a major new railway line being built metres from his house, and for the rest of his life, he was captivated by trains – so much so that in Prague, trainspotting was part of his daily routine . His career took him thousands of miles away, and brought him a new passion for steamships – but he also had to wrestle with his propensity for extreme homesickness.

Miniature in D minor, Op 75 No 2
Josef Suk, violin
Miroslav Ambroš, violin
Karel Untermüller, viola

String Quartet No 12 in F major “American”, Op 96 (4th movement)
Chilingirian Quartet

Symphony No 7 (4th movement)
London Symphony Orchestra
Colin Davis, conductor

Scottish Dances, Op 41
Inna Poroshina, piano

New World Symphony – Finale (live recording)
New York Philharmonic
Alan Gilbert, conductor

Cello Concerto in B minor (2nd movement)
Mstislav Rostropovich, cello
Berlin Philharmonic
Herbert von Karajan, conductor

Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Audio Wales and West