Symphony No. 8 in G major op. 88

1. Flute, 2. Flute (Piccolo flute), 1. Oboe (Cor anglais), 2. Oboe, Clarinet (in B) (2), Bassoon (2), Horn (4), Trumpet (2), Trombone (3), Tuba, Timpani, Violin (2), Viola, Violoncello, Double bass

With its Bohemian allusions and thematic diversity, Antonín Dvorák’s Symphony No. 8 has a special place in the hearts of his admirers.

For a long time musicians had to rely on editions notorious for their many mistakes. Thus editor Jonathan Del Mar faced a daunting task of correction for his new edition of Dvorák’s Eighth. He consulted the engraver’s copy, which actually resurfaced in a trash bin at the English publishers Novello in 1964.

This source, which Dvorák marked “Copied from my original manuscript”, proves that many readings found in the first edition, and duly adopted by all subsequent editions, were slips of the copyist’s pen. Now Jonathan Del Mar’s new edition is also available in a practical study score format.