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Dvořák · Antonín Dvořák

Dvořák Symphony No. 9 in E minor, 'From the New World'

The 'New World' that flew all the way to the moon

Key
E minor
Composed
1893
Premiere
1893 New York
Duration
About 40 min
Movements
4 movements
Instrumentation
Woodwinds 2·2·2·2 (piccolo and English horn doubling) · Brass 4·2·3·1 (tuba in movement 2 only) · Timpani · Percussion (triangle, cymbals) · Strings

The story behind this piece

In 1892, at the invitation of Jeannette Thurber, Dvořák became director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York. Thurber wanted someone who could help create a classical music of America's own. Dvořák took an interest in Native American music and Black spirituals, and his student Harry T. Burleigh sang spirituals for him. He wrote this piece in New York from January to May 24, 1893.

It was premiered at Carnegie Hall on December 16, 1893, by the New York Philharmonic under Anton Seidl, and it was such a success that the audience gave it a standing ovation.

The famous Largo melody of the second movement is played by the English horn. He originally gave it to the clarinet, but he is said to have switched instruments because he was reminded of Burleigh's voice. In 1922, his student William Arms Fisher added words to this melody, and the song is 'Goin' Home.' Movements 2 and 3 are also connected to Longfellow's poem 'The Song of Hiawatha.'

It's said that Neil Armstrong took a recording of this symphony with him on Apollo 11 in 1969. The 'New World' really did make it to the moon.

What to listen for

  • Movement 2: The English horn sings the 'Goin' Home' melody over muted strings.
  • Movement 1: A melody that resembles the spiritual 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' appears.
  • Movement 3: A scherzo that Dvořák said was inspired by the scene of the Native Americans dancing at the feast in 'Hiawatha.'

Listen · Score

Credits