大象传媒

Kate Molleson takes a look at Dvo艡谩k鈥檚 religious life.

Antonin Dvo艡谩k was one of the most heartfelt tunesmiths in classical music - a man who not only brought the sound of Czech folklore to the world, but also had an indelible impact on the musical nationhood of America. As a character he was sometimes shy, sometimes melancholy, routinely homesick and deeply passionate. Through the week Kate Molleson explores five windows onto Dvo艡谩k鈥檚 soul, aspects of life that were really central to his convictions and his music.

Today, we hear about another key part of Dvo艡谩k's personality - his faith. Raised Catholic, he was steadfast throughout his life, and would sign off each manuscript with 鈥淕od be thanked鈥�. Dvo艡谩k thought of his faith and creativity as inextricably linked, and it was through prayer that he found his direction in moments of troubled soul-searching, answers to ethical dilemmas and a refuge in times of deep personal pain.

Prelude in D major
Peter Frisee, organ

On the Holy Mountain (Poetic Tone Pictures)
Leif Ove Andsnes, piano

Stabat Mater: IV. Fac ut ardeat cor meum, V. Tui nati vulnerati
Jongmin Park, bass
Prague Philharmonic Choir
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
Ji艡铆 B臎lohl谩vek, conductor

Symphony No 7 (2nd movement - Poco adagio)
London Symphony Orchestra
Colin Davis, conductor

Requiem: Confutatis
Collegium Vocale Gent
Royal Flemish Philharmonic
Philippe Herreweghe, conductor

Biblical Songs 1-5
Jan Martin铆k, bass
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
Ji艡铆 B臎lohl谩vek, conductor

Produced by Amelia Parker for 大象传媒 Audio Wales and West