Antonín Dvořák’s gift for melody was apparent as soon as he began writing music, and this naturally tuneful inspiration has long captured the imagination of arrangers. An expert in arranging for both orchestra and piano, Peter Breiner has selected 33 melodies in simple yet revealing piano reductions that give the listener an opportunity to journey with Dvořák through his career in Prague and ultimately overseas to America. This carefully curated programme also brings moods ranging from rustic celebration to nostalgic melancholy, and from traditional Czech dumka dances to the famous Song to the Moon, Dvořák’s most prized operatic aria.

This release will be a welcome addition to the many collectors who bought Peter Breiner’s Calm Romantic Piano Music in which beguiling original pieces sit alongside serenely beautiful new arrangements drawn from the classical repertoire. In focussing on one composer with whom he has a particular affinity, Breiner has taken the opportunity to provide an overview of Dvořák’s entire career.

The name Peter Breiner could easily be synonymous with the term commercial success in the music world, with over 200 albums to his name as composer, arranger and conductor. His most acclaimed recordings with Naxos include the bestselling Beatles Go Baroque (8555010) which represents some of his commercially most successful Baroque arrangements. Beatles Go Baroque Vol.2 (8574078) was released in 2018.