Dvorák: Stabat Mater, Op. 58; Legends, Op. 59 [Import]

Antonin Dvorak (Composer), Rafael Kubelik (Conductor), English Chamber Orchestra (Performer), Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Bayerischen Rundfunkorchester (Orchestra), Elmar Schloter (Performer), Edith Mathis (Performer), Wieslaw Ochman (Performer), John Shirley-Quirk (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: English Chamber Orchestra, Elmar Schloter, Edith Mathis, Wieslaw Ochman, John Shirley-Quirk
• Orchestra: Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Bayerischen Rundfunkorchester
• Conductor: Rafael Kubelik
• Composer: Antonin Dvorak
• Audio CD (April 15, 1997)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Import
• Label: Dg Imports
• ASIN: B000001GY2
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #222,677 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Dvorák's solemnly lyrical setting of the Stabat Mater is one of the glories of 19th-century choral music, and this has always been regarded as one of its finest performances. Rafael Kubelík had few equals in this repertoire, and he knew just how to achieve the maximum of expression with a minimum of hesitation and dragging--critical in a work that is largely meditation and sorrowful reflection. A twofer price, this is the version to have. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dvorák: Stabat Mater, Op. 58; Legends, Op. 59, April 7, 2008

By 

Mr Bassil A MARDELLI "Antoun" (Riad El-SOLH , Beirut Lebanon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dvorák: Stabat Mater, Op. 58; Legends, Op. 59 (Audio CD)

Rafael Kubelik has been able to interpret Antonin Dvorak's Stabat Mater and to preserve the sanctities of such a thirteenth century Roman Catholic sequence.

The 'Laudi' - songs written in praise of God - are attributed to Pope Innocent III and/or to Friar Jacopone da Todi, - member of Franciscan's religious order that originally relied solely on alms -
Stabat Mater goes as far back as the thirteenth century. Gospel subjects have always been ready for dramatization when written in Latin. Its title is an abbreviation of the first line, Stabat mater dolorosa ("The sorrowful mother was standing"). The hymn, one of the most powerful surviving medieval poems, contemplate the suffering of Mary, Jesus Christ's mother, during His crucifixion .

Many composers have been assigned the merit to set to music this heavenly hymn - Hayden, Vivaldi, Rossini, and Scarlatti and even Verdi .... Many more .... , but I truly loved Dvorak's composition. This sacred work was Dvorak's first creation in the darkness of death. He completed it in 1877 amid a personal tragedy - he lost his three children due to illness or accident.

Away from all human contacts, Dvorak formed in his mind's eye his own private picture of the great Songs that never failed to coincide with his own excruciation.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very good stabat mater, June 13, 2000

By 

EAK (Knoxville, TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dvorák: Stabat Mater, Op. 58; Legends, Op. 59 (Audio CD)

While the best stabat mater ever writen is Pergolesi's, there are a some other good ones (especially by Rossini, Dvorak and Haydn). Dvorak is most known for his last symphonies, slavonic dances and some outstanding chamber music, but he wrote some very good religious music as well. Many listeners who want to taste Dvorak's religious music will prefer to start with his great requiem (on DG conducted by Karel Ancerl), but there is also much fine music in the stabat mater. Dvorak expert Kubelik conducts four excellent soloists in this first choice performance of this stabat mater.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars there is a top record avaliable with Amazon, November 28, 2004

By 

Jiri Zika "bass tuned" (Prague, Czech rep.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dvorák: Stabat Mater, Op. 58; Legends, Op. 59 (Audio CD)

To J. Harris, Memphis.

The recording you are seeking is still available on Amazon.

It is this one conducted by Wolfgang Sawallisch with Gabriela Benackova, Peter Dvorsky, Jan-Hendrik Rootering, Ortrun Wenkel.

It is absolutely glorious as weel as the Dvorak's Requiem with the same team.

Hardly understand why have not been reviewed yet. In my opinion there is not better recording available.