Dvorak: Symphony No. 9 "From the New World"

Antonin Dvorak (Composer)
Sir Georg Solti (Conductor)
Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Track Listings

1. Symphony No.9, Op.95 'From The New World' In E Minor: I. Adagio. Allegro molto

2. Symphony No.9, Op.95 'From The New World' In E Minor: II. Largo

3. Symphony No.9, Op.95 'From The New World' In E Minor: III. Molto vivace

4. Symphony No.9, Op.95 'From The New World' In E Minor: IV. Allegro con fuoco

For Solti, though, the "New World" is about the New World as imagined by an Old World composer. I don't say "as seen by an Old World composer" because Dvorak seems to want to convey the sense of awe inspired by being in a country the vast spaces and majestic vistas of which he was to see only parts. But I think the striking cover illustration is to the point: this is a symphony of the imagination as much as of the eyes and ears. That sweeping first movement clearly captures the imagined grandeur of the New World--both natural and man-made--and Solti is the perfect tour guide, choosing tempi that are uniformly fast though not breakneck and of course powering the movements by dint of that great Chicago brass section. Yes, in spots the effect is "hair-raising," but so, too, must have been the experience of rail travel from teaming New York City west to Iowa over the Appalachians and the Great Plains.

EAC CD-RIP. Covers included.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3