Dvořák - Requiem, Op.89

Antonín Dvořák composed the Requiem at the beginning of his peak creative period. This composition is one great reflection on generally alarming questions of human existence. The construction of the mass is not typical: the composition is divided in two basic parts, each of which begins with the original interconnection of several liturgical sequences. Likewise, Dvořák inserted between the "Sanctus" and "Agnus Dei" a lyrical movement "Pie Jesu," created on the base of the final text of the "Dies Irae" sequence. Its basic melodic motif is created by two ascending half-tones with an incorporated very sorrowful diminished third, which begins the opus and continues in many variations as the main motif running through the entire work. Dvořák's Requiem is a supreme opus of classicist-romantic synthesis. This composition inspired many other Czech composers, e.g. Josef Suk and Bohuslav Martinů. Performed by Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, conducted by Karel Ančerl, chorus master Markéta Kühnová; soloists: Maria Stader – soprano, Sieglinde Wagner – alt, Ernst Haefliger – tenor, Kim Borg – bass. This recording was awarded by most prestigious „Grand Prix du disque de l´Académie Charles Cros.“

DAR

Janáček - Complete Chamber & Orchestral Work

5 CD set of complete chamber and orchestral works of Leoš Janáček by various artists: Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Charles Mackerras, London Philharmonic Orchestra, François Huybrechts, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Neville Marriner, Paul Crossley (piano), Gabrieli String Quartet, members of the London Sinfonietta, London Sinfonietta Chorus, Eva Urbanová (soprano), Marta Beňačková (mezzo-soprano),Vladimir Bogachov (tenor), Richard Novák (bass), Thomas Trotter (organ), Slovak Philharmonic Choir, Riccardo Chailly, Kenneth Sillito (violin).

JCW

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

Suk - Piano Works

Josef Suk (1874–1935) was a Czech composer of late romantic and early modernist era. He was also violinist. Suk also wrote for the piano, an instrument that he himself had played since childhood. These compositions are generally of a more intimate and personal nature, and they include music for his son. This 2 CD setof piano works  (Piano Works 1 & 2) is performed by Margaret Fingerhut.

SPW

Dvořák - Te Deum, Mass in D major, Biblical Songs 1-5

"Te Deum" for soprano, bass, chorus & orchestra, B. 176 (Op. 103), Mass for vocal soloists, chorus orchestra in D major, B.175 (Op. 86) and  Biblical Songs (Biblické pésně) for voice & orchestra, B. 189 (Op. 99), no.1-5 of Antonín Dvořák by Czech Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus. Conducted by Václav Smetáček.

DTD

Dvořák - String Quartets Nos.12 & 13

Antonín Dvořák: String Quartet No. 13 in G major, Op. 106 (B. 192, 1895) and String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, the "American" (B. 179, 1893) by Pavel Haas Quartet (Veronika Jarůšková - 1st violin, Eva Karová - 2nd violin, Pavel Nikl - viola, Peter Jarůšek - cello).

DSQ

Mahler - Symphony No.9

Gustav Mahler (1860, Kaliště, Czechia-1911, Vienna, Austria) was a composer, born in a Jewish, German speaking family in the Highlands in Czechia. He also conducted Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, especially the world premiere of his 7th Symphony. Mahler is regarded as as a great symphonist. To some extent, Mahler is considered also as a Czech composer, both in terms of place of birth, and for his inspiration Czech folk music, which recognizes all the specialized literature in foreign languages ​​except German. This recording is from the set of 10 Mahler symphonies by Rafael Kubelík (1914– 1996),  a renowned Czech conductor. He was chief-conductor of Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and he had first conducted the Czech Philharmonic in 1934 when he was 20 years old. He was director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, general manager of the Metropolitan Opera of the New York City and worked with such orchestras as the Berlin Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Vienna Philharmonic, Orchestre de Paris, Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, etc.

MS9

Janáček - Moravian Folk Poetry In Songs

Czech composer Leoš Janáček devoted a lot of his time and ink on folk songs. This album, "Moravian Folk Poetry In Songs" is a little bit of his work (about 300 songs). Singers Eva Štruplová and Stanislav Předota took the right fair voice to execute those both profound and so light songs accompanied by Adam Skoumal at the piano. While listening to this album, we are travelling through these ageless lights and true emotions of every folk in every day.

JMP

Dvořák - Symphony No.7

Symphony No. 7 in D minor''', Op.70,  by Antonín Dvořák was first performed in London on April 22, 1885. He resolved that this symphony will reflect political struggle of Czechs for independence. This album was recorded live by Prague Symphony Orchestra at Smetana Hall of The Municipal House in Prague, October 1992. Conductor: Martin Turnovský.

DS7

Janáček - Lachian Dances, Suite for Strings, Idyll

Well known Leoš Janáček's orchestral works in unforgettable performances by František Jílek and Philharmonia Brno. 1995.Leoš Janáček (1854-1928) was a Czech composer, by Bohemian, Moravian and all Slavic folk music and on these roots created his original style. The greatest compositons are Sinfonietta, Glagolitic Mass, Taras Bulba and operas. Janáček is generally recognised as one of the most inimitable composers.

JLD

Janáček - Pièces pour Piano

Selection of piano works, including the cycles "On a overgrown path", "In the Mists" and Sonata 1.X., performed by French pianist Hélène Couvert.

JPP

Dvořák - Biblical Songs

Biblical Songs (Písně biblické) by Antonín Dvořák, op.99, performed by Vladimír Roubal (organ) and Petr Matuszek (baritone).

DBS

Dvořák - Cello Concerto in B-minor

Exclusive recording of Cello concerto B-minor, op.104 of Antonín Dvořák by famous Russian cellist Mstislav Rostropovich and Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by legendary Czech conductor Václav Talich. The album was recorded in 1952 and among many versions with the same soloist and different orchestras occupies a unique, irreplaceable position.

DCC

Suk - Asrael

Late romantic - but leading to modern polyphonic and harmonic techniques - symphonic work of Josef Suk, composed 1905-6 as funeral symphony in C-minor, op.27, written in memory of Antonín Dvořák and his wife. Performed by Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Libor Pešek.

SJA

Dvořák - String Quartet No.13, Waltz No.1

Antonín Dvořák composed his String Quartet No.13 in G major, op.106 in the end of 1895 after his return from America.  Recorded live in Adelaide 2011. Performed by Pavel Haas Quartet, Czech ensemble, already received prestigeous awards, also for performing Dvořák.

DQW