A series of ten short pieces originally composed as piano duets, Legends is a collection of orchestral miniatures spun out in Dvorak's best nationalistic style. Though not as specifically dance-like, the set reflects the success of his Slavonic Dances just three years earlier. Among musical geniuses—and it is fair to apply the term to him—Dvorak was a comparative rarity: He was evidently happy, pleased with and able to make use of his musical gift, and led a full and satisfying musical life. The effect of this on his music is obvious; there is no stress or ugliness in it and it soothes, bestirs, and satisfies at every turn. The Legends are not specifically evocative of particular episodes nor are they even given titles beyond their beginning dynamic markings. What they are is a collection of contrasting and compatible symphonic gems, utterly without guile or pretense, which fall together comfortably to form forty-two minutes of delightful music.

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