Abstracts Category : Other

Antonin Dvo????k Symphony No. 9, Op. 95 (New World Symphony)

by Mehran Tebyani

Antonin Dvorak???s Symphony No. 9, or New World Symphony, is arguably one of the most popular pieces in the Symphonic literature in the world. This symphony was composed and premiered in 1893 at Carnegie Hall with Dvorak present in the audience and Anton Seidle conducting. Dvo????k artfully weaves American folk music into his symphony. By utilizing American folk themes, Native American motifs, and African-American melodies Dvorak, in a uniquely Bohemian style, succeeds in creating a distinctly ???American??? Symphonic identity. This monumental work successfully spans cultural divides and shed light on the plight of many of the cultures whose musical textures were borrowed from. The following pages will contain a brief discussion of the genesis of this symphony and the working career of its composer, and a synopsis of the work (Instrumentation, tempos and folk music characteristics) allowing us to see Dvorak???s influence and creation of an ???American??? symphonic identity. The work will also be analyzed aesthetically comparing and contrasting different artistic interpretations on the part of conductors throughout the works??? history as well as a brief discussion on the challenges ensemble face in the performance of this work and the surmounting of these challenges in new and artful ways.Advisors/Committee Members: Roscigno, John A (advisor), Alviso, Jesus (committee member).