Description
The Dresdner Philharmonie and Marek Janowski present a recording of Antonin Dvorak's Stabat Mater, together with the MDR Leipzig Radio Choir, Hanna-Elisabeth Muller (soprano), Roxana Constantinescu (mezzo-soprano), Christian Elsner (tenor) and Tareq Nazmi (bass). In terms of scope and duration, Dvorak's Stabat Mater is the largest setting of this sacred text to date. Likely inspired by the tragic death of all his three children - in the timespan of just two years - the work is heartrending, yet establishes a gradual path from darkness to light, from despair to peace and hope; ascetic and restrained, yet full of suspense. This recording, made in connection to a live performance commemorating the bombing of Dresden, offers a rendition that never drags, avoids excessive sentimentality, and is all the more moving as a result. Marek Janowski is one of the most celebrated conductors of our time and has a vast PENTATONEdiscography, chiefly consisting of German operas and symphonic works. From 2019 to 2023 he was Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Dresdner Philharmonie. Dvorak's Stabat Mater is his seventh PENTATONErecording with this orchestra, with whom he recently released Schubert's Unf inished and Great Symphonies (2023), Schumann's complete symphonies (2024), as well as Haydn's Die Schopf ung (2024). The MDR Leipzig Radio Choir also appeared on that recording, has frequently featured on other PENTATONErecordings and starred on Bruckner Haydn Mot et s(2021) and Mendelssohn Choral Works(2023). Hanna-Elisabeth Muller released Reine de coeur (2018) and Sinnbild; St rauss Songs (2022) on PENTATONE. Roxana Constantinescu featured on PENTATONErecordings of Mascagni's Cavalleria rusticana and Puccini's Il t abarro (both 2020), as well as Kodaly & Bartok (2023). Christian Elsner also has a longstanding relationship with the label, including his solo recording of Schubert Lieder (2015). Tareq Nazmi appeared on the beforementioned recording of Die Schopf ung
