Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 ‘From the New World’

​Antonin Dvorak was born in Nelahozeves, a small village in Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic, on September 8, 1841. He grew up in a musical household and learnt to play the violin and piano at a young age. While studying music in Prague, he married his fellow student, Anna Cermakova in 1873, and they had nine children together. But only four survived. His music reflected his Czech roots and love for his homeland’s folk music, with evocative melodies and rich harmonies. A prolific composer, Dvorak included in his repertoire chamber music, choral pieces, operas, and symphonies. His Symphony No. 9, ‘From the New World’, composed in 1893, while he was the Director of the National Conservatory of Music of America, is Dvorak’s most famous work. It was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic and premiered on December 16 1893 at Carnegie Hall, conducted by Anton Seidl. It reflected his fascination with African-American spirituals and Native American folk music. 
 
Here are a few albums for your listening pleasure:
Dvorak Symphony No. 9 ‘From the New World’, Marin Alsop with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Label: Naxos.
 
Antonin Dvorak Symphonies Nos. 7 - 9, Gustavo Dudamel with Los Angeles Philharmonic. Label: Deutsche Grammophon.
 
Dvorak Symphonie No. 9, Herbert von Karajan with Wiener Philharmoniker. Label: Deutsche Grammophon.
 
Antonin Dvorak Symphonien Nos. 8 & 9, Rafael Kubelik with Berliner Philharmoniker. Label: Deutsche Grammophon.

Reference: Schwarm, B., (2023, December 22), New World Symphony Work by Dvorak, Brittannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Antonin-Dvorak