Description
Antonin Dvorak 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 Hlavka for the inauguration of a country chapel. The
Biblical Songs are highly intimate pieces, set to the Czech translation of Dvorak'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 Jindrich Jindrak, a long-time soloist of
the National Theatre in Prague.