Cadential Play in the Finale of Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, “From the New World”

Abstract

Abstract: This essay analyzes the finale of Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, “From the New World.” The finale of the movement utilizes narrative twists within its sonata form to evoke Dvořák’s idea of the “New World.” Throughout the movement, cadences frequently fail to resolve as expected. Even the final cadence of the recapitulation falls short of the expected expressive impact. In the coda, it is not a perfect authentic cadence, but rather a plagal cadence—a cadence Dvořák frequently associates with American music—that brings about a satisfying end to the piece.