Popper resigned his post at Hopofer to tour with his wife for larger scale concerts throughout Europe. An old edition of the Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians stated that he "His tone is large and full of sentiment; his execution highly finished, and his style classical." He later died in Baden.

I found the most amazing part of the cello solo the mood changing with the fingers sliding effortlessly down the cello. Popper was a master at writing with ranges from low to extremely high. His fingering was perfection and brought a sadness to the audience. It was definitely the highlight of the concert. At the conclusion of the piece, Mr. Chang rose quietly bowing to the audience and praising with his gestures the fine work of the orchestra behind him.

The final piece of the evening, according to my program, is Antonin Dvorak's 7th Symphony in D Minor. The Maestro is now adjusting his stance from the audience, returning to the attention of his orchestra while tapping, again, his baton impatiently demanding the full attention upon himself.

The audience is hushed in anticipation of the next Master's piece. As the baton is raised the cellists began their performance, followed by the flutes and piccolos. The audience could feel the emotional turbulence that Dvorak had composed in this piece.

This symphony was the only one he had ever composed under commission. He had hoped that this symphony would be the one that would be "stirring the world." Listening to the changes with each movement and the fervor in which the orchestra is playing out that theme, I believe that he did execute exactly what he intended.

This symphony was written in four movements. The first is the Allegro Maestoso, "fast and lively," between 120 and 168 beats per minute. The Garden State Philharmonic does indeed hold to the fast and lively portion of this piece.

The second is Poco Adagio meaning "slightly" or "little."...

It begins to build "un poco a poco." The feeling is getting larger and larger but not in sudden surge. Towards the end of the movement, the drums bring the listener into a largo, ready for the finale.
The Finale, or Allegro, or a "brisk and lively tempo" commences with a mysterious building of a huge sound echoed by trumpets. The strings come in with great power and majesty. I really like the "darkness" created in this final movement; it was my favorite part of this piece.

Some people believe that this particular symphony was inspired by Brahms. I certainly can see that after listening to it. It is a little like Brahms Fourth Symphony in its form and tragedy.

Dvorak was the most celebrated composer to come from the 19th Century Bohemia. He was born in 1841 in Nelahozeves, Bohemia. He was the son of the local innkeeper and butcher. His father was not happy with his son being a musician. Despite his father's objections he entered the Organ School in 1857 and joined the orchestra in the Prague National Opera in 1862. A contemporary and friend of Bedrich Semtana, he became interested in the political music of his country's attempt at independence.

Unlike so many other composers Dvorak was amiable and a happy family man. This came through his music and most of his symphonies. He was close to his beautiful, peasant Bohemia. His music was for the most part bright and sunny, sometimes lyrical, lively and robust.

Dvorak died May 1, 1904, in Prague.

I really enjoyed the entire program but I believe I enjoyed Dvorak's 7th Symphony the most. It was so uplifting and entertaining, I found myself whistling the "tune" on my way home.