Antonín Dvořák remains the most famous and popular Czech composer of the 19th century, his Slavonic Dances and New World Symphony (Symphony No. 9) are among today’s best known classics. He wrote music in every genre from opera to instrumental music, and though he rarely used Czech folk melody, folk dance rhythms are frequently heard in his large catalogue of compositions. Throughout the course of his career Dvořák wrote 14 string quartets, one of his favourite musical formats, and their mixture of vivacity and beautiful melody has ensured that they remain part of the standard chamber music repertoire.