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October 2004
General Music Class Sponsors
Field Trip
We have planned an exciting educational field trip to hear the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra . The NJSO is performing a concert entitled Dvorák in the New World that features music of the Czech composer Antonin Dvorák written during or inspired by his visit and stay in the United States during the years 1892-1895.
Program:
Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” by Antonin Dvorák
American Suite by Antonin Dvorák
The Entertainer by Scott Joplin
American Salute by Morton Gould
Antonin Dvorák (September 8, 1841 - May 1, 1904), a Bohemian composer, was credited along with Bedrich Smetana with establishing a Czech national style of music. In 1892, just after taking a post at the Prague Conservatory, Dvorák was enticed to serve as the director of the National Conservatory of Music, recently established in New York City by the wealthy patron Mrs. Jeanette Thurber. During the three years he spent in the United States, Dvorák spent his summers in Spillville, Iowa where he served as an organist in the church of a small Czech community.
Dvorák composed some of his best known works during the three years he spent in the United States, including his Symphony No. 9 in E minor. Just before Dvorák sent the music to the orchestra in preparation for the first performance at Carnegie Hall on December 16, 1893, he wrote “From the New World” on the title page. Most musicians believe that is a reference to geography rather than any specific musical influence. Any folk music elements that appear are more a reflection of Dvorák’s prior interest in folk music as seen the music he composed in his home country. A Suite in A major for piano was composed in 1894 and orchestrated in 1895. It has become known as the “American Suite”, but the title is not thought to be authentic. The five pieces in this suite do show the influence of folk music but it could more accurately be described as Bohemian dance music.
The concert also includes The Entertainer by Scott Joplin (1868-1917) which was written about the same time as Dvorák’s visit to the United States and American Salute by Morton Gould (1913-1996) which is based on music closely connected to the Civil War (When Johnny Comes Marching Home).
During General Music classes (and any other class that is appropriate) we will begin to prepare the students for this trip. The NJSO has wonderful materials that provide introductory excercises and activities to make the concert understandable and meaningful to all the student.
Be sure your child has returned their signed permission slip with the $7.00 fee for their ticket and transportation to Mr. Rudd or Ms. Washack by October 1, 2004.
As this is a special concert field trip to a beautiful concert hall, we ask that you encourage your child to “dress up” for the event. The children will be traveling on the school bus and may walk a short distance to the concert hall and back to the bus, so please help them choose an outfit that will be comfortable while reflecting the special nature of our opportunity.
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