Summer Festival of Sacred Music Continues with Dvorak's Mass in D at St. Bart's Today

The 19th annual Summer Festival continues today, August 4 at 11 am with a performance of Antonín Dvorák's Mass in D, Op. 86 for SATB choir, SATB soloists, and organ.

Antonín Dvorák (1841-1904) was born in Bohemia and is widely regarded as the most distinguished of Czech composers. He was a major figure in musical Nationalism of the nineteenth century and his music is characterized by memorable melodies, clear formal structures, and often a folk quality even when he wasn't quoting from a native source. He is best known for his Symphonies (including No. 9, "From the New World," composed during his time in the U.S.), the Cello Concerto, and dozens of chamber works that have become landmarks in that repertoire.

Dvorák's Mass in D, Op. 86, was composed in 1886-7 for four solo voices, choir, and organ. It was commissioned to mark the consecration of a chapel in a rural chateau and Dvo?ák conducted the premiere. At the request of the influential London publishing house, Novello, it was later revised and the accompaniment was scored for full orchestra. The multi-movement work offers a wide range of colors and characters, including many of traits beloved in his instrumental music: the lyricism of the Kyrie contrasts with the uplifting energy of the Gloria or the drama of the Agnus Dei.

St. Bartholomew's Choir will be conducted by Paolo Bordignon, Associate Director of Music. The guest organist will be Ken Cowan, Associate Professor of Organ at Rice University's Shepherd School of Music. Ken is one of North America's finest concert organists and has recorded numerous critically acclaimed compact disc recordings. He served as Associate Organist at St. Bartholomew's from 2002 to 2005. In addition to accompanying the choir, he will perform two contemporary Czech masterworks for solo organ: the Finale from Petr Eben's "Sunday Music," and "Varhany sólo - Postludium" (from Glagolitic Mass) by Leos Janácek.

The Summer Festival of Sacred Music takes place each Sunday morning at 11 am at St. Bartholomew's Church during the summer months. At a time when most churches reduce their musical offerings, St. Bartholomew's Church provides outstanding sacred music sung by St. Bartholomew's Choir and Boy and Girl Choristers, two of New York City's most renowned choirs. Works include an array of mass settings from the 15th century to the present embracing a diversity of cultures from around the world. The music is sung as part of the 11 am service, the liturgical context for which it was composed. All Summer Festival events are free and open to the public.

The Summer Festival of Sacred Music takes place at St. Bart's, located at the corner of Park Avenue and 51st Street. Subway: 6 to 51st Street. For more information, call (212) 378-0222 or visit our website for the complete schedule. The upcoming concert is set for today, August 4, 2013, during the 11 am service. Free!