Dvořák's Sixth Symphony in D major, composed in the late summer and autumn of 1880, is often referred to as Dvořák's 'First' because it was the first one to be published by Simrock and is considered the first of his brilliant masterpieces in the genre. His contemporaries were in agreement that Dvořák had not only mastered the large-scale form of four-movement symphonies but had also developed his individual, distinctive style. This symphony reflects the cheerfulness, humour and passion of the Czech people, said the early Dvořák biographer Otakar ourek. This release also includes the Hussite Overture and the overtures to Selma sedlák and Vanda.