We do not know exactly when Dvorák composed his String Quartet in D major, though we may assume it was in the period between 1868–9. Among other things, the work reflects the contemporary national and political mood, as is clear from the quotation of the introductory bars of the song Hej Slované (O Slavs); the author even uses this thematic material to build an entire scherzo movement. In its character, the quartet claims kinship with what were then seen as the strongly progressive ideals of Wagner. The work has survived only in the parts. The current edition is published within the first Complete Edition of the Works of Antonín Dvorák.