The head of a musical dynasty, Neeme Järvi is one of today’s most respected maestros. He conducts many of the world’s most prominent orchestras and works alongside soloists of the highest caliber. Järvi has a special affinity with the music of Dvorak and this CD adds to his acclaimed recording of the Requiem released on the LPO label in 2009. In this wonderful live concert recording, he conducts the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir. This release presents a strong lineup of soloists from superlative soprano Janice Watson, bass Peter Rose, and tenor Peter Auty.
Dvorák’s Stabat Mater, Op. 58, was finished in 1880, wrenched out over several years after the death of the composer’s daughter. It is a sizable setting that has been largely overlooked in favor of Dvorák’s later works, but increasing interest in Romantic-era choral music has brought new performances. It has few specifically Czech elements, gaining its interest partly from its combination of a rather formal quality with strong personal feeling. This reading, conducted by Estonia’s Neeme Järvi, is hard to beat.
1 Stabat Mater Dolorosa
2 Quis Est Homo?
3 Eia, Mater
4 Fac Ut Ardeat Cor Meum
5 Tui Nati Vulnerati
6 Fac Me Tecum Flere
7 Virgo Virginum Praeclara
8 Fac Ut Portem Christi Mortem
9 Inflammatus Et Accensus
10 Quando Corpus Morietur
11 Amen