Dvořák’s haunting ‘Stabat Mater’ for solo voices, chorus and orchestra is not only the most famous work of church music by the Bohemian composer - it is also one of the most impressive ever settings of the medieval hymn in which Mary, the mother of Jesus, gives vivid expression to the pain she feels at the sight of her crucified son. The terrible misfortunes that befell the composer in his private life during the creation of this work may have been a reason for this. It is the continuous expression of deep piety, above all, that gives this music its special dignity.

It was precisely this intensity that was conveyed by the concert on March 26, 2015 in the Herkulessaal of the Munich Residenz, where the four renowned soloists were in fine voice, and the Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks once again delivered the “crystal clear sound” and “incredible three-dimensionality” for which it is highly praised time and again. And the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, conducted by Mariss Jansons, performed Dvořák’s deeply moving music authentically, in keeping with the composer’s intentions: sensitively felt, yet with a resonant, magnificent sound.

The live recording of Dvorak’s “Stabat Mater” has been re-released by BR KLASSIK on CD.