ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK (1841-1904)
SERENADE, Op. 44, B. 77, D Minor
COMPOSED: 1878
DURATION: c. 28 minutes
Antonin Dvořák is hailed by many as one of the quintessential Czech composers, his proud nationalist sentiments central to his success and personal identity. A well-known German critic and composer at the time, Louis Ehlert (1885-1884), loved and spoke so highly of folk dances that Dvořák decided to dedicate a piece of his work to him – this piece was Serenade.
Serenade draws on an old-world atmosphere of musical performances at the castles of the Rococo period, where people from all walks of life could mingle, often sharing in music and dance. While the folk music used in this piece is not an exact rendering, the second movement contains rhythms that draw on folk dance, offering us a taste of the experience. The work is divided into four movements: Moderato quasi Marcia, Minuetto, Andante con moto, and Allegro molto. The first movement begins with themes that introduce the ideas of Dvořák’s folk music, which are carried throughout the work. The second movement features a section of the piece is based on the dance called dumky or dumka, meaning “thought.” It is described as “a piece of Slavic music, originating as a folk ballad or lament, typically melancholy with contrasting lively sections.”
GLEN MILLER (1904-1944) Arr. Beauchamp
IN THE MOOD
MOONLIGHT SERENADE
PENNSYLVANIA 6-5000
CHATTANOOGA CHOO CHOO
A STRING OF PEARLS
Alton Glenn Miller rose through the ranks to become one of the most successful bandleaders of the big band era. With a strenuous schedule filled with performances, radio shows, and recordings, Miller worked tirelessly to create his ideal sound–a deep, velvety texture that was achieved when the whole band played in unison as one instrument. This is first realized in “Moonlight Serenade.” With sixteen number-one hits in four years, he was the most popular big band leader of his time and influenced many successors.
At the peak of his career, Miller decided to enlist and disbanded his successful group. Miller was commissioned as a captain at Fort Meade, Maryland. In 1943, he became director of Bands Training for the Technical Training Command for the Army Air Forces and created the Army Air Force Band. Miller revolutionized the military band, using the popularity of the sounds to sell millions of dollars in war bonds.