Overture Magazine 2013-2014 January-February 2014 | Page 24

{ Program Notes
The first movement’s slow introduction hints at the principal theme, which,
as the tempo quickens to Allegro molto,
is introduced by the horns. Motto-like,
this optimistic theme will recur in all
movements. Listen for the hints of the
spiritual “Swing Low” in the second
theme, a merry tune for flutes and oboes.
A prodigal melodist, Dvořák also offers a
third theme, bright and full of American
“can-do” spirit, in the solo flute.
The Largo slow movement is one of
the most beautiful Dvořák ever wrote.
Here is the yearning melody for English horn, an instrument chosen by the
composer because it reminded him of
Burleigh’s baritone voice. The composer loved Longfellow’s poem “Song
of Hiawatha” and claimed this music
was inspired by the death of Hiawatha’s
bride, but many, including Dvořák’s
sons, heard more of his homesickness for
his native land here. A poignant middle
section in the minor presents two hauntingly wistful melodies for woodwinds
above shuddering strings.
Dvořák also cited “a feast in the woods
where the Indians dance” from “Hiawatha” as influencing the third-movement scherzo. But it is far easier to detect
European influences in this spirited dance
movement, which summons memories of
the composer’s greatest idols, Beethoven
and Schubert: Beethoven for the opening,
recalling the Ninth Symphony’s scherzo,
and Schubert for the ebullient trio section,
sparkling with triangle.
The finale boasts a proudly ringing
theme for the brass that propels its loose
sonata form. But its development section
brings back the first movement “motto”
theme as well as the Largo’s English horn
melody and a snatch of the scherzo. At the
end, the home key of E minor brightens
to E major. Dvořák’s final magical touch
in a loud, exuberant close is a surprise last
chord that fades to silence.
Instrumentation: Two flutes, piccolo, two oboes,
English horn, two clarinets, two bassoons, four
horns, two trumpets, three trombones, tuba,
timpani, percussion and strings.
Notes by Janet E. Bedell, Copyright ©2014

22 O v ertur e |

www. bsomusic .org

Jo s e ph Meye rho ff Sym pho ny Hall

B a lt i m o r e S y m p h o n y O rc h e s t r a
Marin Alsop
Music Director • Harvey M. And Lyn P. Meyerhoff Chair

Off the Cuff: Dvořák’s
New World Symphony
Saturday, January 11, 2014 — 7 p.m.

Presenting Sponsor:
Marin Alsop, Conductor
Morgan State University Choir — Dr. Eric Conway, Director

American Spiritual
Arr. Bob Chilcott

Antonín Dvorˇák

Words and adaptation by

William Arms Fisher

Arr. Moses Hogan

“Steal Away”

“Goin’ Home”

“Elijah Rock”
MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY CHOIR

Antonín Dvorˇák Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, opus 95,

“From the New World”
Adagio - Allegro molto
Largo
Molto vivace
Allegro con fuoco
The concert will end at approximately 8:20 p.m.

Supporting Sponsor:

Marin Alsop

For Marin Alsop’s bio., please see pg. 12.

Morgan State University Choir

The Morgan State University Choir
(MSUC) has performed around the world
to critical acclaim. Named “Best College
Choir” in 2004 by Reader’s Digest magazine, the Choir has performed with several
major symphony orchestras, including The
Philadelphia Orchestra, Chicago Symphony, New York Philharmonic and the
National Symphony Orchestra. For over 30

Morgan State
University Choir

years, Dr. Nathan Carter was the conductor of this ensemble. Dr. Eric Conway is
currently th H\