Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Dvořák wrote this 'Requiem' as a concert piece for the Birmingham Festival of 1891. This marked the culmination of his activities in Britain, as it was now time for him to head to the New World to join in the celebrations of the 400th anniversary of Columbus's arrival there. This recording was made live from the St Vitus Cathedral in Prague in 1988. The camera work, directed by Franz Kabelka, is excellent. He gives us many different shots without being too fidgety. The Prague Philharmonic Chorus sing very well throughout. There are one or two imperfections but this is only to be expected in a live recording and there is nothing that really detracts from our enjoyment. The Czech Philharmonic Orchestra are as good as the Choir and the conductor, Václav Neumann, coaxes out a beautiful performance without ever becoming a distraction. Four superb soloists provide the highlights: Gabriella Beňačková (soprano), Ids Kirilová (alto), Josef Protschka (tenor) and Luděk Vele (bass). If the acappella passage in the second "Pie Jesu" does not send a shiver down your spine you should ask your doctor to check that you are still alive.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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