FEB Ann Toomey Soprano
Discover more: madisonsymphony.org/requiem
DVOŘÁK REQUIEM
Julie Miller Mezzo-soprano
Composed at the peak of Dvořák’s career, the Requiem is a profound expression of his genius. by John DeMain It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Dvořák’s music
breathtaking beauty as only Dvořák can compose.
and try to program his work as often as possible.
This is our first performance of the work,
It is also important to me to research and explore
and Beverly Taylor and the Madison Symphony
pieces by the great composers such as Dvořák that
Chorus,
we haven’t yet performed. Such is the monumental
deeply committed to plumbing the depths of
Requiem. This is a wonderfully melodic work, and
the deeply felt and often inspired choral writing.
we have four really beautiful voices to sing their
The orchestra, of course, will play a big romantic
extensive solos. The chorus has thrilling sections
role typical of Dvořák’s instrumental writing of
to sing including a very exciting and dramatic Dies
the period. This piece was a resounding success
Irae. Dvořák, being a devout Catholic, follows the
at its first performances in Czechoslovakia, and I
form of the Requiem Mass, but adapts the work
know you will be thrilled to have a chance to hear
for the concert stage. The result is a concert of
it performed LIVE here in Madison.
singing
beautifully
these
days,
are
Eric Barry Tenor
Matt Boehler Bass John DeMain, Conductor Madison Symphony Chorus, Beverly Taylor, Director Ann Toomey, Soprano Julie Miller, Mezzo-soprano Eric Barry, Tenor Matt Boehler, Bass Dvořák Requiem
Friday, Apr. 3 Saturday, Apr. 4 Sunday, Apr. 5
7:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m.
Program Notes Excerpt to discover more, visit madisonsymphony.org/requiem
EXCLUSIVE SPONSOR:
Rosemarie Blancke, in loving memory of Fred Blancke
The Latin Requiem is a daunting choice for any composer, both in the challenge of the texts themselves, and in the idea of stepping into a venerable tradition. The first polyphonic settings of the text were composed in the 15th century, and there is an unbroken tradition of Requiem settings that continues down to our own day: there are hundreds of settings of the complete Mass for the Dead, or its individual movements. – Michael Allsen
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