Dvořák: Te Deum, Mass in D major, Biblical Songs

Antonín Dvořák – Mass in D major for soli, choir, organ and orchestra, Op. 86; Biblical Songs for solo voice and orchestra, Op. 99; Te Deum for soli, choir and orchestra, Op. 103

Marcela Machotková – soprano, Stanislava Škatulová – alto, Oldřich Lindauer – tenor, Dalibor Jedlička – bass, Jindřich Jindrák – baritone, Maria Helenita Olivares – soprano, Gianni Maffeo – baritone, Prague Philharmonic Choir, chorus master: Josef Veselka, Prague Symphony Orchestra, conductor: Václav Smetáček

Antonín Dvořák was a deeply religious person, and sacred music duly constitutes a significant part of his oeuvre. The present album features three different types of works. The Mass in D major was commissioned by the composer’s patron Josef Hlávka for the inauguration of a country chapel. The Biblical Songs are highly intimate pieces, set to the Czech translation of Dvořák’s favourite Psalms, while Te Deum is a magnificent cantata for festive events, which, however, just like the other two works, affords space for contemplation and meditation. All three opuses are adorned with inspired melodies, as well as intriguing involvement of the solo singers and the choir. The album contains recordings made by the Prague Philharmonic Choir and the Prague Symphony Orchestra in 1969 and 1970. The Biblical Songs are performed by the baritone Jindřich Jindrák, a long-time soloist of the National Theatre in Prague.

Dvořák’s heartfelt sacred music, singularly performed by superb artists