The New World Symphony (Dvorak)

Title: Symphony No. 9 in E minor, From the New World, Op. 95, B. 178

Composer: Antonín Dvořák 

Antonin Dvorak

Carnegie Hall

Composed in 1893

First Premiered on December 16, 1893 in Carnegie Hall

General

The Symphony No. 9 in E minor, From the New World, Op. 95, B. 178 (Czech: Symfonie č. 9 e moll „Z nového světa“), popularly known as the New World Symphony, was composed by Antonín Dvořák in 1893 while he was the director of the National Conservatory of Music of America from 1892 to 1895. It is by far his most popular symphony, and one of the most popular of all symphonies. In older literature and recordings, this symphony was often

numbered as Symphony No. 5. Neil Armstrong took a recording of the New World Symphony to the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, the first Moon landing, in 1969.

Title page of the autograph score of
Dvořák's 9th Symphony

Symphony No. 9 is nicknamed New World because Dvorak wrote it during the time he spent in the U.S. in the 1890s. His experiences in America (including his discovery of African-American and Native-American melodies) and his longing for home colour his music with mixed emotions. There's both a yearning that simmers and an air of innocence.

At the premiere in Carnegie Hall, the end of every movement was met with thunderous clapping and Dvořák felt obliged to stand up and bow. This was one of the greatest public triumphs of Dvořák's career. When the symphony was published, several European orchestras soon performed it. Alexander Mackenzie conducted the London Philharmonic Society in the European premiere on June 21, 1894. Clapham says the symphony became "one of the most popular of all time" and at a time when the composer's main works were being welcomed in no more than ten countries, this symphony reached the rest of the musical world and has become a "universal favourite." It is performed [as of 1978] more often "than any other symphony at the Royal Festival Hall, London" and is in "tremendous demand in Japan.” Several themes from the symphony have been used widely in films, TV shows, anime, video games, and advertisements such as the campaign for Hovis bread during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s in the UK.

Music

Instrumental

This piece is composed for a large orchestra at least with following instruments: 

• 2 flutes (one doubling piccolo)
• 2 oboes (one doubling on English horn)
• 2 clarinets in A
• 2 bassoons
• 4 horns in E, C and F
• 2 trumpets in E, C and E flat
• 2 tenor trombones
• Bass trombone
• Tuba (second movement only)
• Timpani
• Triangle (third movement only)
• Cymbals (fourth movement only)
• I & II Violins
• Violas
• Cellos
• Double Basses

Form

1. Adagio, 4/8 – Allegro molto, 2/4, E minor
2. Largo, common time, D-flat major, then later C-sharp minor
3. Scherzo: Molto vivace – Poco sostenuto, 3/4, E minor
4. Allegro con fuoco, common time, E minor, ends in E major

This slow introduction conveys many emotions — sadness, fear, suspense, even a ray of hope — in its brief 23 measures, until Dvorak eventually chooses which main melody will take over the main part of the movement. A nostalgic folk tune provides simplicity and variety, leading to the second theme, which is really a variation of what came before, illustrating Dvorak's inventiveness with melody.

The New World Symphony's best-known melody surfaces in the "Largo" movement, with its aching English horn solo. It was later adapted into the song "Goin' Home" by Harry Burleigh, a black composer whom Dvorak befriended while in New York. But I'm always moved by the church-like chords that come before that now-famous tune. In a stroke of innovative genius, Dvorak brings these opening chords back at the climax of the finale, where all the melodies from the symphony, reappear, transformed by the journey.

In the scherzo movement that follows, Dvorak explores the dance rhythms and melodies of his heritage. They feel new and fresh, yet familiar at the same time. It contrasts with the finale, which begins with a newfound urgency, setting up the nobility and majesty of the main melody heard in the brass.

Dvorak New World Symphony (Full Movement) Video:

Dvorak New World Symphony (Full Score) pdf file:
http://javanese.imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/2/2a/IMSLP05873-Dvorak_-_Sinfonie_Nr.9.pdf