New Worlds of Dvorak by Beckerman, Michael B., Beckerman, Michael, B.. (W. W. Norton & Company,2003) [Hardcover]

by Michael Beckerman

A forceful reinterpretation of the composer's personality and work. Focusing on Dvorák's three-year stay in the United States, this book explores the world behind the public legend, concluding that the composer suffered from a debilitating and previously unexplored anxiety disorder. Readers of this book will gain a rich view of Dvorák that will deepen their understanding of his works, especially his Symphony From the New World. Audio compact disc included; 16 pages of b/w illustrations.

Genres: Music, Biography

Unknown Binding

First published January 28, 2003

Reviews

[Annm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deep look ar Dvorak’s time in America and the influences on his music. Now I must read The Song of Hiawatha

[Rachel Czech · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the style of the book because Beckerman asks many questions
(very many questions!!) and approaches finding an answer in more of a scientific approach than mere conjecture. Beckerman rounds up all of the "evidence" and either refutes it or allows the reader to draw their own conclusions. It's also nice that the author has chosen a limited time span to focus on the Czech composer as opposed to the more typical broad approach of considering his lifetime; it allows more depth and clarity into Dvorak's compositions and relationships.

I read this book and John Clapham's Dvorak book as a requirement for a Focal Composer course about Dvorak at Mizzou.