The Dvořák Requiem

Luzerner SinfonieorchesterCHOIRPrague Philharmonic ChoirCHIEF DIRECTORMichael SanderlingSOPRANSimona ŠaturováMEZZOSOPRANŠtěpánka PučálkováTENORBenjamin BrunsBASSJan MartiníkCOMPOSERS & WORKSAntonín Dvořák (1841 - 1904)Requiem op. 89The second part of the Dvořák Festival is dedicated to a single work: the Requiem. A powerful, expansive choral work, and the performance under chief conductor Michael Sanderling gains eminently from the participation of the internationally admired Prague Philharmonic Choir. It could hardly be more authentic. For all Dvořák's deep piety, however, this is neither a liturgical work nor was it written for a current occasion of mourning. It is, if you like, a Roman Catholic oratorio, but even more so a Czech oratorio - universal in its inner radiance and symphonic in its musical nature, i.e. intended for concert performance. Nevertheless, mourning and confession of guilt, prayers for redemption on Judgement Day and consolation can also be heard here, and with truly impressive depth of expression. A "lamenting" leitmotif - a short, five-note motif heard right at the beginning - runs through the entire work. Antonín Dvořák conducted the premiere in Birmingham on October 9, 1891. The audience reacted with both enthusiasm and emotion.A requiem for the concert hall? Yes, because despite Dvořák's piety, his Requiem is not a liturgical work, but a Czech oratorio - intended for concert performance.Please note: The program and the artists performing are subject to change. The current program can be found on the website: sinfonieorchester.ch.