Album
Prague Symphony Orchestra, Václav Smetáček
Dvořák: Te Deum, Mass in D major, Biblical Songs
Digital services
Catalogue Number: SU 4314-2
Published: 14th July 2023
Genre: Vocal
Format: 1 CD
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
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
Reviews
“An excellent quartet of soloists and the superb Prague Philharmonic Choir give the composition the power and spiritual intensity it demands… The five Biblical Songs for solo voice and orchestra have a quite outstanding performer in baritone Jindrich Jindrak, who puts his magnificent voice and art of interpretation at the service of the music… The Te Deum is captivating for its again very committed music-making and singing. Smetacek conducts with a keen sense of this work’s catchy melodicism and vibrant colors.”
Pizzicato, August 2023
“Par la pureté et la justesse de son intonation, par la cohérence de ses pupitres forgée par Josef Veselka, le Chœur Philharmonique Tchèque quintessencie l'expression radieuse de cette messe immédiatement communicative. Le quatuor vocal (Marcela Machotková, Stanislava Škatulová, Oldřich Lindauer, Dalibor Jedlička) est à l’avenant de ce témoignage où souffle le génie de l’authenticité… Václav Smetácek en anime ici une interprétation intense mais sobre et astringente, dignifiant les recueillements et resserrant les éclats pompeux. Solistes parfaits (Maria Helenita Olivares, Gianni Maffeo) et un chœur ardent, dans son arbre généalogique… on ne peut que se réjouir de ces documents désormais historiques, sous la baguette d’un maestro réputé pour sa droiture et son style académique au meilleur sens du terme…”
Crescendo, January 2024
“These performances from Czech forces are excellent; Dvorak is their hero and they have him in their blood. The Mass may be a modest work (and a fine choice for smaller choral societies and university choruses), but here we have the large and wonderful Prague Philharmonic Choir with full orchestra, and they sound terrific.”
American Record Guide, January 2024
“Elle (la Messe) en demeure à ce jour la meilleure version, comme pour le coruscant Te Deum pour New York dont les pompes aux saveurs moraves inspireront Janáček pour sa Messe Glagolitique autant qu’elles ardent le caractère visionnaire de Václav Smetáček. Enthousiasmant. Pourtant la merveille du disque reste les Cinq chants bibliques dans leur vêture d’orchestre, plus chantés que proclamés par le baryton expressif de Jindřich Jindrák, écoutez seulement.”
Artalinna, June 2024
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Antonín Dvořák
Mass for Soloists, Mixed Chorus, Organ and Orchestra in D major, Op. 86 (B 175)
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| 1. | Kyrie. Andante con moto | 05:19 | |
| 2. | Gloria. Allegro vivo | 08:08 | |
| 3. | Credo. Allegro moderato | 12:45 | |
| 4. | Sanctus. Allegro maestoso (att.) | 02:05 | |
| 5. | Benedictus. Lento | 06:14 | |
| 6. | Agnus Dei. Andante | 04:49 | |
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Antonín Dvořák
Biblical Songs. On text of Bible of Kralice, Op. 99 (B185)
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| 7. | Darkness and Thunderclouds Are Round About Him. Andantino | 02:34 | |
| 8. | Lord My Shield, My Refuge and Hope Art Thou. Andante | 02:15 | |
| 9. | Hear, Oh Hear My Prayer, Lord My God. Andante | 03:27 | |
| 10. | Oh, My Shepherd Is the Lord. Andante | 02:50 | |
| 11. | Songs of Gladness Will I Sing Thee. Risoluto maestoso | 02:57 | |
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Antonín Dvořák
Te Deum for Soloists, Mixed Chorus and Orchestra, Op. 103 (B 176)
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| 12. | Te Deum laudamus. Allegro moderato, maestoso | 05:48 | |
| 13. | Tu Rex gloriae. Lento maestoso | 04:44 | |
| 14. | Aeterna fac cum sanctis. Vivace | 02:45 | |
| 15. | Dignare Domine, die ista. Lento | 05:53 | |