Final answer:
Antonin Dvorak responded to the nationalistic climate of the late 19th and early 20th century by creating music that infused his Czech heritage with international influences. His works like 'Slavonic Dances' and 'Symphony No. 9' ('From the New World') exemplify the nationalistic movement in music with the use of folk elements to promote cultural identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
How did Antonin Dvorak respond to the nationalistic climate at the end of the century?
Antonin Dvorak was a Czech composer who, during a time of growing nationalism in Europe, created music that reflected the national identity and folk traditions of his homeland. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a broader nationalistic movement in music emerged where composers sought to express their nation's culture and history.
Dvorak's response can be seen through compositions like his 'Slavonic Dances' and 'Symphony No. 9' ('From the New World'), which incorporate elements of Czech and American folk melodies, rhythms, and themes. These works showcase his engagement with the idea of national identity, contributing to the cultural and musical heritage of his country, while simultaneously reaching an international audience.
Composers like Dvorak played a critical role in developing a sense of national pride through their music, especially in smaller nations seeking to establish their independence or cultural identity. In Dvorak's case, his work is recognized not only for its artistic value but also for its role in the nationalistic aspirations of the Czech people in the face of the Austro-Hungarian Empire's dominance.
His compositions remain significant examples of how art can influence and be influenced by the climate of national pride and identity.