Search - Antonin Dvorak, Zdenek Kosler, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra :: Dvorák: Requiem; Stabat MAter [Box Set]

Yes, Dvorak wrote sacred music, too.

Eric S. Kim | Southern California | 04/04/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a bit annoyed when my friends only recognize Antonin Dvorak by his "New World" Symphony. There's more than just the "New World" that makes him a legendary Czech composer. There's his symphonic poems (Wood Dove, Noon-Day Witch), his overtures (Carnival, In Nature's Realm) his opera (Rusalka) and finally his Requiem.



Dvorak's Requiem is longer than Brahms's and Mozart's, and is probably the same length as Verdi's (if the conductor doesn't favor fast, anti-dogmatic tempi). You won't get Mozart's death cries, nor will you get Brahms's always-look-on-the-bright-side-of-life attitude. What you will get in Dvorak's sacred piece is Verdi's mysticism, Brahms's lyricism, and a bit of Mozart's "Domine Jesu" urgency. It's a long and architectural piece, and it sorta fits well while you're reading a suspenseful fantasy novel.



And then we have the Stabat Mater. It has the same "Requiem" atmosphere, but excluding Verdi's mysticism. Instead, Beethoven's classicism seems more like it. It's also a moving piece, and it's also definitely something that you shouldn't listen to while driving (Hell, any classical music that's sad shouldn't replace your usual rock bands when you're in your car).



I have a feeling that Zdenek Kosler chose a Karajan-like atmosphere for bot hof these pieces, and it shows. The conductor doesn't transform into Solti during climaxes, but he does ignore the complete absence of tension (something that Karajan is "notorious" for). The Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir have never sounded better, and the soloists sing their heart out.



I would recommend this to anyone who wants something more from Dvorak other than his "New World" Symphony and his Slavonic Dances. A+"