Slavonic Dances Op 46, written in 1878, was something of a breakthrough work for Czech composer Antonin Dvorak, finally establishing his reputation well beyond his native land. The dances are original melodies, inspired by, and drawing on, the character of traditional national dances, rather than works based on existing folk tunes, as was the fashion among composers at around that time. These Slavonic Dances were originally written for piano 4 hands but, at his publisher’s request, Dvorak produced orchestrated versions shortly thereafter. The pieces proved so popular that Dvorak composed a second set, Op. 72, in 1886.

Op. 46, No. 3 is in the form of the polka, a dance which originated in Bohemia. This version, arranged for mixed woodwind duo of clarinet and bassoon, is best suited to players at the upper end of the Grade 4 - 6 ability range.