About Antonín Dvořák, Love to Locomotives and Music












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            * About Antonín Dvořák, Love to Locomotives and Music
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            In the month of September the musicians traditionally commemorate the birth of one of the 

            personalities of Czech music, the composer Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904). In recognition of t
            Charles University Choir (the Vysokoškolský umělecký soubor Univerzity Karlovy, which when
            by word becomes the University Artistic Ensemble of Charles University) opened its 67th se

            composed of works by Antonín Dvořák.
            Due to the occasion of Antonín Dvořák’s 173rd birthday on 8th September 2014, the fans of 
            music were invited to the Traffic Hall of the National Technical Museum, a truly unusual p

            classical music concert, to listen to Dvořák’s Biblical Songs, opus 99, a group of 10 song
            1894; as well as the Mass in D major opus 86, known to Czech audience as Lužanská Mass.

            <blockquote class="rightfloat"> <p> The anniversary concert was opened by a short lecture 
            and his love of modern technology. </p> </blockquote>
            The anniversary concert was opened by a short lecture on Antonín Dvořák and his love of mo

            He enjoyed observing trains and locomotives, watching them daily at the local train statio
            stayed in Prague as well as the large steamships in the port and on the sea when living in
            letters home he often wrote about the different steamers going to and from Europe, trying 

            one of the vessels would deliver his family’s letters.
            The lecture was followed by the concert itself – in the first half of the evening, Dvořák’
            resounded in the Traffic Hall; in the second Lužanská Mass.

            Dvořák’s 10 Biblical songs, op. 99 were composed in 1894, for alto voice and piano accompa
            libretto being taken from David’s psalms within the Bible of Kralice, a complete translati
            bible into the Czech language written in the 16th century, although there are a few altera

            by Dvořák. Antonín Dvořák composed very few religious or sacred pieces. As the 10 Biblical
            composed when Dvořák had been residing in New York for a year, it can be argued that Dvořá
            to religious texts of his native country due to homesickness. Additionally can be noted th

            of the composition date and the death of Tchaikovsky in 1893, a close friend, which may ha
            Dvořák s compositions in 1894 becoming focused around the theme of religion. The work is c
            be one of emotion and spiritual understanding, this is achieved by the Maestro’s lack of u

            devices, as well as an unadorned imitative and harmonically simple piano accompaniment. De
            through the 10 Biblical Songs, Dvořák successfully represents as well as explores a range 
            from extreme anxiety to meditative tranquillity.

            The Lužanská Mass, or the Mass in D major, was composed by Dvořák in 1887 for organ, and r
            for orchestra in 1892. The original instrumentation included an organ accompanying a mixed
            four choral soloists: soprano, alto, tenor and bass. The language of the libretto is in li

            the form being taken from the catholic mass. This suits the original place of performance,
            and picturesque chapel in the Castle of Lužany in Western Bohemia, a main reason the compo
            appropriately named the Lužanská Mass. Similarly to the 10 Biblical Songs, Dvořák uses sim

            limited instruments, however he includes rich melodic and harmonic textures with the use o
            musical devices. The overall effect being one of flowing melodies and rich choral harmonie
            piece which successfully represents Dvořák as a composer; humble yet full of life. The Luž

            a success on its premiere on the 11th of September 1887. The Musical Opinion stating that 
            of remarkable power and effect”. Dvořák himself shared the view by writing in a letter to 
            patron Josef Hlávka (owner of Lužany Castle), “I am pleased to announce that I have finish

            am supremely pleased with the results”.
            The public enchanted by the power of the choir music left the Traffic Hall still hearing t
            Dvořák’s compositions. Now we can only look forward to the next performances of the Charle

            Choir prepared for the season 2014/15. Czech as well as international students of CU might
            to learn that the Choir is currently searching for new members. Details can be found here 
            www.vus-uk.cz/en/?page_id=73"] .
                                                                                                      
            Suzanna Knuckey is a joint honours student studying music and history with archaeology at 
            Charles University as an Erasmus student. Her interests include history, art, culture and 
            in Prague as well as meet others from different countries and backgrounds.