Philharmonia Orchestra

Richard Wagner: Overture, Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg
Max Bruch: Violin Concerto No.1 in G minor
Interval
Antonin Dvorák: Symphony No.9 (From the New World)

Written in 1893 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus's discovery of America, From the New World explodes with American folk-inspired rhythms and melodies.

Dvorák explained 'I have not actually used any of the Native American melodies. I have simply written original themes embodying the peculiarities of the Indian music, and, using these as subjects, have developed them with all the resources of modern rhythms, counterpoint and orchestral colour.'

Despite this, Dvorák does not completely shun the infectious folk music of his native Bohemia, the influence of which can be heard throughout the symphony.

Philharmonia Orchestra
Jakub Hrůša conductor
Vilde Frang violin