The exhibition was prepared by National Museum – Czech Museum of Music.
Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, Op. 95, “From the New World” is one of the best symphonies ever produced in the world. Dvořák began composing it shortly upon his arrival to New York, where he was invited to become the Director of the National Conservatory of Music as of October 1892.
The symphony’s premiere was preceded by discussions about American national music and the possibilities of using Native-American and African-American folk music. What is certain is that this is one of the most well-known and most played symphonies ever composed in the world. The beauty, melodies as well as temperament of Dvořák’s symphony are so captivating that it knows no boundaries and is played all over the world.
Antonín Dvořák in the U.S.
Antonín Dvořák stayed in the United States for three years. From 1892 to 1895, he was the director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York City founded by a wealthy and philanthropic socialite, Jeannette Thurber.
Dvořák’s main goal in America was to discover “American Music” and engage in it, much as he had used Czech folk idioms within his music. Shortly after his arrival in America in 1892, Dvořák wrote a series of newspaper articles reflecting on the state of American music. He supported the concept that African-American and Native American music should be used as a foundation for the growth of American music. More about Dvořák and his stay in the U.S. you can read in Wikipedia.
