"Musicians in general and cellists in particular have reason to celebrate: Jan Smaczny has written an erudite, well researched and complete handbook on the Dvorák cello concerto. Smaczny has met the challenge of writing a complete study that is detailed and balanced, as well as consistently interesting. A work like this handbook is a rare and precious thing. It explores ... Read morein some detail a specific concerto and is able to ompart to readers, through that exploration, and increased understanding and appreciation of music and performance in general and a view of a very personal and meaningful source of artistic creation." American Music Teacher "Jan Smaczny...has produced a must-own volume for any serious cello student, teacher of cello, conductor of the Dvorák concerto, or die-hard fan of the work. Smaczny's musical analysis is succinct and helpful....offers valuable insight in to the concerto's "meaning"..." American String Teacher "...an engaging study of Dvorák's compositional process, his life in the United States, his views on American and Czech music, and his mysterious relationship with the cello..." Notes Show Less