Jindřich Jindrák (baritone), Prague Philharmonic Choir, Prague Symphony Orchestra, Václav Smetácek

Dvořák: Mass in D major, Op.86 (B175)
Dvořák: Biblical Songs (10), Op. 99. Nro 1-5
Dvořák: Te Deum, Op.103, B.176

Antonín Dvořák was a deeply religious person, and sacred music duly constitutes a significant part of his oeuvre. The present album features three different types of works. The Mass in D major was commissioned by the composer’s patron Josef Hlávka for the inauguration of a country chapel. The Biblical Songs are highly intimate pieces, set to the Czech t ranslation of Dvořák’s favourite Psalms, while Te Deum is a magnificent cantata for festive events, which, however, just like the other two works, affords space for contemplation and meditation. All three opuses are adorned with inspired melodies, as well as intriguing involvement of the solo singers and the choir. The album contains recordings made by the Prague Philharmonic Choir and the Prague Symphony Orchestra in 1969 and 1970. The Biblical Songs are performed by the baritone Jindřich Jindrák, a long - time soloist of the National Theatre in Prague.