3 Ways Harry Burleigh Shaped Dvořák's Largo

Burleigh sang spirituals to Dvořák As an African-American student at the National Conservatory, he performed traditional spirituals for the composer.

Dvořák changed the Largo’s instrument He reportedly switched the famous theme from clarinet to cor anglais because it reminded him of Burleigh’s voice.

The spirituals influenced the melody’s character Burleigh’s singing gave Dvořák a direct model for the mournful, vocal quality that defines the Largo.