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A New World of Music
Anton Dvorak, born September 8, 1841, was a Czech composer. He is perhaps best-known for his Symphony No. 9, From the New World, otherwise known as the New World Symphony. It was first performed in December 1893 at Carnegie Hall by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. However, some feel that the music actually reflects folk music from his native country of Bohemia rather than America. Dvorak wrote this symphony while living in New York City at 327 East 17th Street. Unfortunately, the home in which he composed Symphony Number 9 was demolished despite protesters who wanted to see it named as a historic location. Instead, a statue commemorating Dvorak stands in Stuyvesant Square, a nearby park.
Dvorak came from a family of eight children and started his musical training at the age of six. He became accomplished in violin and viola. He also learned to play the organ and piano. He became a music teacher and eventually gave up playing in an orchestra so he could spend more time composing. In addition, he enjoyed learning about trains.
Although he wrote romantic music, Dvorak was perhaps not as successful in his own romantic life. He originally fell in love with a student of his and even wrote songs with the hope of attracting her. However, she married another man. Dvorak ended up marrying her sister, with whom he had nine children.
