Dvorak, A. -" Going Home" from the New World Symphony (Three Violins and Viola)

Composed in 1893 during Dvorak's residency in America, this arrangement adapts the incredibly moving Largo movement for an intimate string ensemble consisting of three violins and a viola. This configuration is a wonderful alternative to the traditional string quartet, giving multiple violinists a chance to share the spotlight while the viola provides a rich, warm harmonic foundation.

Educational Material & Musical Insights

• The "Going Home" Connection: Many people mistake "Going Home" for a traditional American spiritual. In reality, Dvorak wrote the melody first. One of his talented African-American students, William Arms Fisher, later wrote the poignant words "Goin' Home, Goin' Home" to match Dvořák’s theme in 1922, cementing it as an iconic piece of Americana.

• Cultural Fusion (Bohemian meets American): Dvořák was deeply inspired by the music he encountered in the United States, particularly Native American melodies and African-American spirituals. He fused these elements with the rich, romantic folk traditions of his native Bohemia (now the Czech Republic) to create a style that feels both deeply nostalgic and grand.

• The Pentatonic Scale: The core melody relies heavily on the pentatonic scale (a 5-note scale). This scale is a fantastic teaching tool for string players because it is highly lyrical, intuitive to intonate, and central to folk music traditions worldwide.

• Ensemble Skills (Phrasing and Breath): Because this piece mimics a vocal spiritual, it serves as an excellent exercise for a string quartet or ensemble to practice sustained bowing (legato), unified phrasing, and making their instruments "breathe" together like a choir.