Excerpts from New World Symphony: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
By Antonin Dvorak / Arranged by Harvey Whistler / Arranged by Herman Hummel
Grade: 2
Item: 35-PK00175822
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Description
Dur: 3:05
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00175822
More about this title
About the Composer: Antonin Dvorak
Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904) was a Czech composer who bridged the Romantic era and modern classical music with works that combined European sophistication and folk idioms from his homeland. His appointment as director of the National Conservatory of Music in America (1892-1895) profoundly shaped his output; the New World Symphony, composed during this period, reflects his fascination with American themes including spirituals and Native American music.
For music educators, Dvorak remains essential because his writing is inherently teachable. His melodies sing naturally across instruments, his harmonic language is transparent without being simplistic, and his formal structures reward close listening. Students encounter real compositional craft in his work, not diluted imitations.
Why we love this
These excerpts capture the New World Symphony's most memorable material without overwhelming younger ensembles. The Grade 2 arrangement preserves Dvorak's gift for lyrical string writing while keeping technical demands reasonable, so your students can focus on musical shape, vibrato control, and intonation across phrase lengths rather than wrestling with excessive complexity.
What to expect
Warm and yearning, with the character of a spiritual or folk song elevated to concert grandeur. The writing moves with unhurried sincerity, allowing each phrase space to resonate before the next idea arrives.
Who it's for
String orchestras at the Grade 2 level seeking repertoire with genuine musical substance and instantly recognizable melody. These excerpts work equally well for groups building confidence with standard repertoire and for programs introducing students to major symphonic works.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the main melody with continuous but gentle vibrato; resist the urge to vibrate every note equally, letting longer notes breathe more openly than shorter passing tones.
- Balance the inner voices carefully during sustained harmonic passages. A single exposed viola line can disappear if the violins press too hard.
- Pay attention to Dvorak's slur markings as indicators of phrasing intent, not merely fingering convenience. Where slurs span multiple measures, the phrase should feel supported and connected throughout.
- Tune the open strings in the context of the key center before each rehearsal; even small adjustments prevent the ensemble from sitting sharp or flat during sustained chords.
How to use it
Pair this with full or partial performances of the complete symphony (conducted or recorded) to give students context for these sections within the larger work. Alternatively, program it as a complete standalone offering on a classical-focused concert, where the 3-minute duration allows room for contrasting encore pieces.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining long, supported melodic lines across phrase boundaries
- Voice independence in multi-part string textures
- Vibrato control and modulation suited to Romantic style
- Responding to subtle dynamic shape within pp to mp range
- Intonation of chromatic voice leading and inner harmony