Product Description Antonin Dvorak’s huge popularity in England was built largely on the success of his Stabat Mater, which he had conducted there in 1884 and 1885. It was well suited to the country’s choral traditions and led eventually to a commission for a Requiem, which was premiered in Birmingham in 1891. Written in ten months during tours to Russia, England and Germany, its success was immediate. Sitting closer to the tradition of Cherubini than Verdi, its tone is compassionate and reflective, devoid of unnecessary drama, and movingly crafted with great sophistication. Conductor Antoni Wit is a Naxos regular and a renowned interpreter of Slavic music, conducting Dvorak’s Piano Concerto on 8.550896 and the Czech Suite coupled with Hero’s Song on 8.553005. “There is no doubt Dvorak’s Requiem belongs to his most significant and challenging works.” – Antoni Wit Review Dvorak’s Requiem seems to be making a comeback, with new recordings by Jarvi, Jansons, and best of all, this one by Antoni Wit, featuring the excellent Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir and four first-class soloists…Hitherto there have been two great recordings: Ancerl’s on Supraphon, and Kertesz’s on Decca. This one effortlessly joins them. Wit just may be the best conductor around these days for big choral works such as this…First class engineering makes this a wonderfully satisfying release that hopefully will win many new friends for this powerfully expressive and masterful work. –David Hurwitz, classicstoday.com “Antoni Wit expands his acclaimed catalogue for Naxos with Dvorak’s setting of the Requiem. There’s an orchestral weight that feels just right, and some lovely solo singing.” –Gramophone Editor’s Choice, January 2015

Features

• Dvorak: Requiem
• Product Type: Abis Music
• Brand: Naxos