Dvořák believed that African American spirituals and indigenous music should inspire American composers, stating that 'In the Negro melodies of America, I discover all that is needed for a great and noble school of music.'
Album & Artwork
This album reflects the kaleidoscopic diversity of America, a country that has fascinated Calefax, the performing reed quintet, during their annual tours across the Atlantic.
Historical Context
Jeannette Thurber, an American composer, founded the National Conservatory of Music in 1884, envisioning a school open to 'all races, both sexes and the disabled, irrespective of their financial position.'
Cultural Impact
The United States has more reed quintets than any other country, with twenty-eight groups, accounting for over one-third of the worldwide total.
Composition History
Antonín Dvořák, the Czech composer, was coaxed by Jeannette Thurber to teach and run the National Conservatory of Music in 1892, hoping he would help shape a 'new national style of music' for America.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded at the Doopsgezinde Kerk in Haarlem, The Netherlands, in July 2022, with Nicolas Bartholomée as the balance engineer and producer.
Performer Biography
Calefax, the performing reed quintet, has toured the United States annually since the turn of this century, appearing on stage in half of the country.
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