| Slovak Philharmonic Slovak Philharmonic Choir Ondrej Olos conductor Jan Rozehnal choirmaster Eva Hornyáková soprano Jana Kurucová mezzosoprano Pavol Bršlík tenor David Szendiuch bass |
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| Antonín Dvořák |
Stabat Mater, Op. 58 |
The popularity of Dvořák’s work at the end of the 19th century was not limited to his native Bohemia. In 1884, the composer was invited to London where he triumphantly conducted his oratorio Stabat Mater. He composed the work in 1876/1877, when he was experiencing the most tragic period of his life due to the death of three children. Stabat mater is not only an extremely evocative setting to music of Jacopone da Todi’s text about the suffering of a mother whose son dies on the cross, but it is also a timeless statement about human sorrow and hope. A characteristic feature of the composition is its unusually noble, thoughtfully serious musical expression, without superficial effects. Although the oratorio’s text speaks of the shadowy aspects of human existence, the overall impact of the work is rather positive, bringing faith in life. This optimism in difficult times is typical for Dvořák. The orchestra, choir, and quartet of soloists will be led by the experienced Slovak conductor Ondrej Olos. The soloists are surely well-known to both the Bratislava and European public, as they regularly perform key roles in several opera houses.