Dvorák’s mighty Requiem was commissioned for Birmingham’s renowned music festival. Since its premiere there in 1891 under the composer’s direction, it has enjoyed huge popularity. Although based on the liturgical Latin text, it was conceived from the outset as a full-length work for concert performance.

In inimitable style, Dvorák’s Requiem presents a vast emotional spectrum from religious devotion to moments of drama and agonized lamentation, all with a truly impressive depth of expression. Bach’s motif of the Cross from the second Kyrie of the Mass in B minor may well have been the inspiration for the similarly chromatic motif which symbolizes death in almost all movements. The choir plays a central role in the work: with one exception, Dvorák features it in all 13 sections.

The version of the work published by Carus reflects the autograph score, which – unlike the original published score and a copy used at the premiere – precisely reproduces the composer’s careful dynamic markings. Autograph notes from the conducting score have been taken into account, while individual annotations give detailed information about the differences between the sources.

With this new critical edition of the Requiem, Carus is continuing its efforts to publish Dvorák’s sacred works.