Symphony no. 9 in E minor, op. 95 ("From the New World") ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK (1841-1904) Dvořák was born and raised in a village in Bohemia, where folk music was a natural part of life. As a child, he saw and heard rustic musicians, singers and dancers, and often joined them. In 1892, at 51, already famous and a recipient of numerous prestigious prizes and awards, Dvořák went to America to direct the National Conservatory in New York. He lived in the New World for three years, going back once to his homeland for a summer vacation. Dvořák, who also taught composition, encouraged American composers, most of whom admired the European musical culture and tradition, to seek and find inspiration in the diverse folk music of their country, in the songs and dances of the Indigenous People, in the spirituals, laments, hymns and work-songs. Many major American composers took his advice seriously. Dvořák himself wrote many works influenced by the folk music of his native country, but he refrained from using original folk tunes. His music was entirely his own, although some of it was written in a style and character typical of folk songs and dances. During his stay in America, Dvořák sometimes felt homesick. He often went on vacation to Spillville, Iowa, a colony of Czech immigrants who lived like in the old homeland. There, in a little local church, he heard spirituals and hymns that inspired him. His American period produced several masterpieces: the Symphony no. 9 ("From the New World"), the String Quartet in F major ("American"), the String Quintet in E-flat major, the Cello concerto and the Biblical Songs. The Symphony, Quartet and Songs feature charming tunes that recall American and Bohemian folk songs. But even here the tunes are all originally Dvořák's. The Ninth Symphony was written in a relatively short period, between 9 February and 24 May 1893. It was premiered on 15 December 1893, in an open rehearsal at Carnegie Hall, conducted by Anton Seidl, and the official world premiere, conducted by the composer, took place the following day in a concert of the New York Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra. This is Dvořák's last symphony, abounding with beauty, innovation and imagination, perfectly shaped, in the ca. 40 mins. Adagio - Allegro molto Largo Scherzo: Molto Vivace - Poco sostenuto Allegro con fuoco
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTQ4MDQ5