7 Reasons to Love Dvořák’s 7th Symphony

Dvořák’s most famous work is his Ninth Symphony, “From the New World.” As the title indicates, Dvořák wrote eight symphonies before his most famous piece. Each of these is a treasure in its own right, showing us different sides of the composer. His Seventh Symphony showcases his most passionate side, and it is sometimes considered to be the peak of Dvořák’s compositional technique. The symphonic drama of the Seventh ranks with that of the “New World” Symphony, and it is some of the best music Dvořák ever composed. Here are seven reasons why:

 

A side of Dvořák that had not been heard before, nor would be heard again.

His Seventh Symphony is uniquely dark and vehement. Its tone has parallels to Beethoven’s Fifth.

 

His first successful commission and premiere by a major international orchestra.

Dvořák’s newly earned international recognition allowed him an opportunity to compose a symphony for the Philharmonic Society of London—one of the greatest orchestras at the time. His Sixth Symphony almost premiered with the Vienna Philharmonic, but the performance was delayed so long that Dvořák eventually settled on the local, but less desirable, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.

 

The best Dvořák symphony to watch live.

All of the Dvořák symphonies are fantastic works, but the Seventh in particular is worth a trip to the concert hall. The constant fiery passages and spectacularly fast movement of the string players makes this piece as amazing to watch as it is to hear. The drama plays out like a film score.

 

A proud display of his national identity.

Although Czechoslovakian influences were abound in Dvořák’s previous works, the Seventh Symphony was the first to really embrace and confidently express the Czech voice. It was Dvořák’s work of allegiance to his country.

 

A slow movement that shows Dvořák’s inner strength.

Still healing from the loss of his three infant children and the recent loss of his mother, Dvořák composed a therapeutic second movement. It serves as a respite from the tragic drama, both in the symphony and his personal life. Dvořák imbues the music with so much serenity, allowing it to provide comfort and peace. A statement so personal does not appear in his other symphonies.

 

The “New World” symphony may be for the New World (the United States), but this symphony was for the whole world.

When Dvořák’s work on the Seventh Symphony was in full swing, he wrote to a friend, “God grant that this Czech music will move the world!”

 

The ending is thoroughly epic.

While Dvořák’s Seventh, Eighth and Ninth symphonies have grand endings, the Seventh is something special. Traversing the darkness, the powerful finale resounds in rewarding and much-needed triumph.

 

Join the NJSO Oct 11–14 in Englewood, Newark and Morristown and discover for yourself the beauty of Dvorak’s Seventh Symphony!