3 Facts About Dvořák’s Cello Concerto and Its Memorial to His Sister-in-Law

  1. Dvořák composed the concerto while mourning his sister-in-law Josefina, to whom he was deeply devoted.
  2. He learned of her death during the composition process, which directly influenced the work’s emotional tone.
  3. In the final movement, he quoted her favorite song, “Lasst mich allein,” as a personal memorial.