This arrangement is not in the original key to make it easier to play. A version in the original key is available here: S0.373007.



The Czech composer Antonín Dvoand#345;ák became the director of theNational Conservatory of Music in New York City in 1892 (a post he helduntil 1895). Whilst in North America, he became fascinated by Native Americanmusic and the African-American spirituals that he heard. After a commission in1893 from the New York Philharmonic, he wrote the Symphony No. 9 in E minor,"From the New World", also known as the ?New World? Symphony ? not onlyhis most famous symphony but one of the most popular symphonies of all time.



The second movement (Largo) features the famous cor anglaissolo, arranged here for solo piano. It was famously used in a British advert for the bread-brandHovis and was adapted into the spiritual-like song ?Goin? Home? by one ofDvoand#345;ák's pupils in 1922.



Dvoand#345;ák explained the Native-American influences in the symphonyin an article published by the New York Herald: ?I have not actually used anyof the [Native American] melodies. I have simply written original themesembodying the peculiarities of the Indian music, and, using these themes assubjects, have developed them with all the resources of modern rhythms,counterpoint, and orchestral colour.?



A recording of the ?New World? Symphony was taken along on theApollo 11 mission by Neil Armstrong in 1969.

This collection includes 10 spooky, famous classical works in minor keys--perfect for Halloween, or for any time of year! These pieces are appropriate for students in levels 1-2 of most piano method books. The accompanying video contains a sheet music sample and audio sample of each piece in the collection.

Selections include: Theme from the Fifth Symphony (Beethoven), In the Hall of the Mountain King (Grieg), Theme from Symphony No. 1 (Mahler), Egyptian Dance (Saint-Saens), Toccata in D Minor (J.S. Bach), Slavonic March (Tchaikovsky), Finale (Dvorak), Funeral March (Chopin), Fur Elise (Beethoven), and Funeral March of a Marionette (Gounod).

Check out my other classical collections and hundreds of classical, pop, and video game titles here at Sheet Music Plus by clicking on my publisher name above!

Chrissy Ricker is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) with a Master's degree in piano performance and pedagogy. Chrissy enjoys composing and arranging music to motivate and challenge students of all ages. In addition to the works she publishes through SMP Press, Chrissy's piano music is also published by Kjos Music Company and Piano Pronto Publishing. Her music has appeared on the piano contest lists of many state and national teaching associations, including the National Federation of Music Clubs. Visit Chrissy's website at www.chrissyricker.com