New at Noon: January 29, 2025

Is there really room for another recording of Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 “From the New World”? Well…yes! There is much more going on in this work than I think people may realize. Aside from gorgeous melodies everywhere, it’s as if Dvorak is never satisfied. Even repeated melodies are given fresh treatment with fascinating accompaniment from other instruments. He’s always building, layering and crafting something new. You may think you know this work, but for a truly different experience try focusing on what the accompanying instruments are doing!

This recording features the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra conducted by Nathalie Stutzmann. In addition to the 9th Symphony, this recording also features the American Suite (featured on last week’s New at Noon from 1/22).

Stutzman writes:

“…the music on this recording…has extra significance for me, because America was the first place to open big doors for me, giving me the opportunity to become Music Director of a major institution. In that sense, this is my way of paying tribute to America. I feel like this nation has extended a beautiful trust to me, offering me this privileged position. I’m the only woman at the head of one of the country’s most important orchestras.”