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

Michna - Missa à 7, Cantiones, Requiem

Adam Václav Michna z Otradovic (1600 – 1676) was a Czech catholic poet, composer, organist and choir leader of early baroque era. About 230 of his compositions from three Czech and two Latin collections are known today. This album content his masses and cantiones. Performed by Capella regia muscialis with conductor Robert Hugo and soloists Stanislav Předota, Milada Čechalová, Magdalena Černá, Jana Lewitová, Michael Pospíšil and Marcin Bornus Sczycinski. Thius recording was awareded by Grammy Classics in 1993.

MMR

Rejcha - Requiem

Antonín Rejcha, also Antoine Reicha (1770, Prague–1836, Paris) was a Czech composer of classical era. A contemporary and lifelong friend of Ludwig van Beethoven, Rejcha is now best remembered for his substantial early contribution to the wind quintet literature and his role as a teacher - his pupils included Franz Liszt and Hector Berlioz. Rejcha was also an accomplished theorist and wrote several treatises on various aspects of composition. Some of his theoretical work dealt with experimental methods of composition, which he applied in a variety of workss. The recording of his Requiem is performed by Czech Philharmonic Chorus, Dvořák Chamber Orchestra and soloists.

RAR

Zelenka - Requiem in D minor, Miserere

Requiem in D minor, ZWV 48, Miserere in C minor, ZWV 57 of Jan Dismas Zelenka performed by Magdalena Kožená (Alto), Helena Pellarová (Soprano), Michal Pospišil (Bass), Ladislav Richter (Tenor), Anna Hlavenková (Soprano), conductor: Roman Válek, Czech Chamber Chorus and Ensemble Baroque in 1994.

ZRM