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Gypsy Melodies, Op. 55
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Antonín Dvořák
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Czech:
Cigánské melodie
German:
Zigeunermelodien
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Antonín Dvořák
Antonín Dvořák

Gypsy Melodies, Op. 55

work by Dvořák
Also known as: “Cigánské melodie”, “Zigeunermelodien”
Written by
Betsy Schwarm
Betsy Schwarm is a music historian based in Colorado. She serves on the music faculty of Metropolitan State University of Denver and gives pre-performance talks for Opera Colorado and the Colorado Symphony...
Betsy Schwarm
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Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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History

Gypsy Melodies, Op. 55, song cycle by Bohemian composer Antonín Dvořák, with text by Czech poet Adolf Heyduk (1835–1923), celebrating the freedom of Roma (Gypsy) life. The song cycle was written for Gustav Walter, a tenor at Vienna’s Hofoper (Court Opera; precursor to the Staatsoper).

Each of the seven songs contains a romantic evocation of some aspect of the idealized nomadic life. Perhaps the best known of them is “Songs My Mother Taught Me,” the vocal part (or melody) of which has been transcribed for various instruments (e.g., cello, violin, piano) to create a purely instrumental piece.

Betsy Schwarm