Dvorak completed the score of his Symphony No. 3 in 1873. The premiere was held a year later, performed by the joint orchestras of the Czech and German theatres, with Bedrich Smetana conducting. The work represents an important landmark in the composer's oeuvre for several reasons. Eight years separate it from both previous symphonies, during which time Dvorak overcame the strong Neo-Romantic influences which had shaped his work. The way in which the composer ultimately arrived at the final version of the symphony was highly complex, which presents a huge problem for its editors as well. This was the composer's first symphony whose performance he was able to attend and thus assess the viability of his symphonic conception. Symphony No. 3 provided clear proof of what Dvorak was capable of and it supported his application for a state grant from the Viennese Ministry in 1874; his success in its acquisition enabled him to devote himself entirely to composition. This pocket score is part of the first Complete Critical Edition of Works by Antonin Dvorak. <br><br>