Google Doodle is currently commemorating the 182nd birthday of Antonín Dvořák, a Czech musician and composer born in Nelahozeves, located to the north of Prague.

In their tribute to Dvořák's life, Google mentioned that he developed an early interest in music through his father's musical abilities. He initially played the zither, a string instrument, which ignited his youthful experimentation with music. At around the age of 12, he connected with a music teacher who encouraged him to learn the fundamentals of the organ, piano, violin, and music theory.

Subsequently, he acquired formal training as an organist and embarked on a career in music. He joined an orchestra as a violist and also offered private piano lessons on the side. Dvořák's creative output encompassed operas, symphonies, and chamber music, and he gained recognition in Prague with his composition, "The Heirs of the White Mountain," in 1873. Additionally, he served as an organist at St. Adalbert's Church and submitted some of his compositions to music competitions.

In 1875, one of the judges who recognized his talent introduced him to a music publisher, leading to commissions for the creation of Slavonic Dances. This catapulted Dvořák to fame throughout Europe, resulting in more commissions, including his notable works such as Symphony No. 7 in D minor, the orchestral piece Saint Ludmila, and Moravian Duets. Google highlighted that Dvořák's success in his homeland and England led to honorary doctorate degrees in music from Prague and Cambridge Universities.

Furthermore, in 1892, he received an invitation to lead the National Conservatory of Music in New York City. During his time in the United States, he drew inspiration from Black and Native American music, culminating in the composition of one of his most renowned pieces, Symphony No. 9 "From the New World." Google added an interesting tidbit, noting that astronauts took this composition to the moon in 1969. This year marks the 130th anniversary of the Symphony's premiere at Carnegie Hall.

After approximately three years in the U.S., Dvořák returned to Prague and assumed the role of director at the local conservatory, where he shared his musical expertise with aspiring Czech composers. In his later years, he shifted his focus to operas and unveiled his immensely popular work, "Rusalka," in 1901—a musical fairy tale that has enjoyed worldwide popularity for over a century.