Our Upper Sixth music pupils have spent many happy weeks analysing one of the core set works for their course, Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 (From the New World). Dvořák wrote the symphony after moving from his native Bohemia to New York City; and the work is a synthesis of melodies inspired by his Czech heritage, coupled with his excitement at the new styles and sounds he found in America.
We had the opportunity to hear the symphony live in concert at Cadogan Hall this week, performed by the Prague Symphony Orchestra, who are currently touring Europe. Given that Dvořák’s Czech heritage was one of the inspirations behind his symphony, it was particularly special to hear a Czech orchestra bring the work to life.
The programme also included The Noon Witch, a symphonic poem also by Dvořák and based on a Slavic folktale, and Prokofiev’s electrifying Third Piano Concerto, performed by Venezuelan pianist and Steinway Artist Gabriela Montero. Montero is not only a brilliant concert pianist, but also a gifted improviser who often invites audience members to suggest melodies on which to base her encores. On this particular evening, she improvised a colossal set of variations on Greensleeves on the spot.
As our Upper Sixth musicians approach their final exams, our hope is that this experience further enhances their enthusiasm for Dvorak’s masterpiece – and that their memories of the Prague Symphony’s energetic timpani player last a lifetime.
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