Dvorák was encouraged early in his musical career by such luminaries as Smetana and Brahms. He rose to the position of director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York, and later held the same position in Prague. The Ninth Symphony was written during his New York years and is regarded as one of his finest works. The LARGO is one of those melodies that has gained worldwide recognition, and we welcome this fresh and inventive version. (5:21)