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Antonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, commonly known as the "New World Symphony," is one of his most famous and frequently performed works. Here are some interesting facts about this iconic composition:

1. Commission and Premiere:

   • Dvořák composed the New World Symphony during his tenure as the director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York City from 1892 to 1895.
   • The New York Philharmonic premiered the symphony at Carnegie Hall on December 16, 1893, with Anton Seidl conducting.

2. Influence of American Folk Music:

   • Dvořák was inspired by American folk music, particularly African American spirituals and Native American melodies. He believed that incorporating these elements into his music would help create a distinct American musical identity.
   • The second movement, Largo, contains a famous English horn solo, which is often associated with the spiritual "Going Home."

3. Duration and Structure:

   • The symphony is in four movements:
     1. Adagio - Allegro molto
     2. Largo
     3. Scherzo: Molto vivace
     4. Allegro con fuoco
   • The overall duration of the New World Symphony is approximately 40 minutes.

4. Global Success:

   • The New World Symphony quickly gained international popularity and acclaim, becoming one of Dvořák's most celebrated works.
   • Its success extended beyond classical music circles, and some themes from the symphony were adapted into popular songs and film scores.

5. Numerous Recordings:

   • The New World Symphony has been recorded by numerous orchestras and conductors over the years, contributing to its status as one of the most recorded symphonies in the classical repertoire.

6. Musical Quotations:

   • Dvořák quoted from some of his earlier works in the New World Symphony, such as the ninth opera, "Rusalka," and his "String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96" (nicknamed the "American Quartet").

7. Debate Over Influences:

   • While the symphony is often associated with Dvořák's time in the United States, some scholars argue that the influence of African American and Native American music on the work may have been overstated, and that Dvořák's Czech roots are still evident in the composition.

8. Dedication:

   • Dvořák dedicated the New World Symphony to the "New World," referring to the United States, which was still a relatively young nation at the time.

The New World Symphony remains a beloved and influential work in the classical music repertoire, showcasing Dvořák's masterful orchestration and his ability to blend diverse musical influences into a cohesive and powerful composition.