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American Symphony Orchestra

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Dating from the composer’s late creative period, Antonín Dvořák’s Requiem mystifyingly remains a rarity in his impressive oeuvre. It is nowhere near as well known, or as frequently performed, as the composer’s late symphonies, chamber works, or other choral works, such as his Stabat Mater, from this period. Closer to Fauré’s or Cherubini’s contributions to the genre than the overt theatricality of Verdi’s and Berlioz’s requiems, Dvořák’s own requiem is often serene and introspective in mood, with gentle melodies and noble lyricism. There are, nevertheless, countless moments of spontaneous expression and pure inspiration that could only stem from Dvořák’s pen, like the intense chromaticism in “Pie Jesu” or the sheer drama of chosen moments, such as the “Agnus Dei,” with its diaphanous close. The use of a four-note chromatic motif, present in almost all sections of the piece, gives the work a satisfying feel of thematic unity. While rich in invention and expressivity, it is its tender, melancholic examination of the mysteries of life and death that ultimately make this requiem so deserving of further exploration in the public sphere—far more than it has received up to now.

Requiem, Op.89 Dvořák

The ASO was founded in 1962 by Leopold Stokowski, with a mission of making orchestral music accessible and affordable for everyone. Music Director Leon Botstein expanded that mission when he joined the ASO in 1992, creating thematic concerts that explore music from the perspective of the visual arts, literature, religion, and history, and reviving rarely-performed works that audiences would otherwise never have a chance to hear performed live.
The orchestra has made several tours of Asia and Europe, and has performed in countless benefits for organizations including the Jerusalem Foundation and PBS. Many of the world’s most accomplished soloists have performed with the ASO, including Yo-Yo Ma, Deborah Voigt, and Sarah Chang.

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