A pupil of Dvořák, Novák holds a position of importance in Czech music from the earlier years of the 20th century. Conservative in his tastes, in the face of the innovations stemming from Vienna and Paris, he made use of indigenous thematic material in a Romantic musical context, and was always influenced by the landscape of his native country.
Orchestral Music
Novák’s well-crafted orchestral music includes two serenades and the Slovak and South Bohemian suites. These, and works such as the symphonic poem Pan, later orchestrated, reflect his interest in the varied musical elements of Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia.
Chamber Music
Novák’s chamber music displays the same features as his orchestral music, allied, as always, to a sound technical competence.