Dārziņš' work bears a distinct romantic character, with a strong trend towards national themes.

His only opera, "Rožainās dienas" (Rosy days), remained unfinished after his early death at the age of 34.

This song received favourable mention from the well-known Latvian composer, Jāzeps Vītols, who had been a pupil of Rimsky-Korsakov.

Due to financial hardship Dārziņš was forced to give music lessons, yet that was not enough to cover his living expenses.

In spring 1901, not having finished his studies, Dārziņš returned to Riga where he started to work as a music critic, teacher, choir conductor and pianist.

In the beginning of 1908, two orchestral pieces by Dārziņš were performed in Riga, yet these met with fierce negative criticism from other Latvian composers.

Dārziņš objected and asked for an independent opinion of an authoritative professor Alexander Glazunov, who found the criticisms unfounded.