Dvořák - Stabat Mater

Antonín Dvořák - Stabat Mater, op.58 for soli, choir and orchestra by Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Prague Philharmonic Choir, conducted by Wolfgang Sawalisch, with soloists Gabriela Beňačková, Peter Dvorský, Ortrun Wenkel, Jan-Hendrik Rootering. The oratorio Stabat Mater was written by Antonín Dvořák in 1876 and the first performance took place on 23 December 1880 in Prague. The first movement is an extended sonata-form in symphonic style. It opens with a long orchestral introduction, then repeated with the chorus. A contrasting second theme is introduced by the soloists. A development section leads to the return of the opening material. The organ has an independent part accompanying the female semi-chorus in the fourth movement, and is not used otherwise. The final movement recalls the opening themes of the work, but then turns into the major key for a triumphant Amen fugue of considerable complexity. The work is scored for an orchestra of: 2 flutes, 2 oboes, cor anglais, 2 clarinets in A, 2 bassoons, 4 horns (two in F, two in D), 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, organ and strings. The solos are written for soprano, tenor, alto, bass, accompanied with the SATB choir.

DSM