An Introduction to Dvorak: Symphony No 9 "The New World"

Have you always intended to find out more about classic compositions, but never quite knew how or where to start? The series Classics Explained, brought out by Naxos, could be just the answer.

A hefty box will await you, but don't be too intimidated. There are two discs with the Dvorak and a glossy and expansive 136-page transcript of the narrative, which includes a biography of the composer, plenty of background information, and the historical context of this work.

In fact, there is very little missing from this compact but extensive package, particularly for anyone approaching classics with a view to serious study.

The CDs include the full narrative with musical illustrations. Jeremy Siepmann wrote and narrates the material providing the listener with a bar-by-bar analysis at some points.

Throughout the first movement, our guide goes to great lengths to ensure we understand every nuance of Dvorak's intention. But, he is not starry-eyed about the Czech. In true academic style he includes criticisms from pro and anti-Dvorak camps to balance our view and to point out that, however much or little we know about the technicalities of a composition, it is still a subjective medium. There will always be those who love it or hate it.

If you came to the 9th Symphony thinking of the slow movement as the theme from the Hovis advert, I can assure you, that after almost two-and-a-half hours study with this recording you will be a great deal wiser and more knowledgable altogether.

For the absolute beginner, with little or no musical training, I would say the level of knowledge required to follow Mr Siepmann's commentary will not be adequate. For exam

ple, he constantly refers to bar lengths and phrase lengths made up of bars and key changes which are difficult to hear without quite extensive training.

However, there are frequent examples played, so you may find you can come to recognise these characteristics after a few listenings.

You'll need to give this recording your full concentration, but it is definitely worth it.

Naxos 8.558065-66