Description

Antonín Dvořák – Biblical Songs / Evening Song / Songs My Mother Taught Me

50 898

Product Features

Format: Vinyl LP, Stereo
Supraphon Stereo 50 898
Made in Czechoslovakia
Composer: Antonín Dvořák
Performers:
- Věra Soukupová (Contralto)
- Ivan Moravec (Piano)

Label: Supraphon
Language: Czech (Biblical Songs from Czech Kralice Bible), with multilingual sleeve notes including Russian
Recording Location: Supraphon Studios, Prague
Production:
- Director: Zdeněk Zahradník
- Sound & Cutting Engineer: Ing. Platz
- Cover Design: Petr Stránský
- Notes: Dr. Kamil Slapák

Overview

Antonín Dvořák’s Biblical Songs, Op. 99, represent one of his most deeply personal and spiritual compositions. Written in 1894 during his stay in the United States, the cycle reflects his inner world and strong religious convictions. Drawing upon the Czech translation of the Psalms from the Kralice Bible, the composer arranged selected verses not in biblical order but in an emotionally cohesive sequence. These songs express both anguish and hope, culminating in a confident tone of spiritual resilience.

Contralto Věra Soukupová, a distinguished interpreter of Czech vocal music, brings solemnity and sensitivity to these sacred works, supported with elegant restraint by pianist Ivan Moravec, whose refined accompaniment enhances the introspective nature of the cycle.

The album also includes two secular songs:

"Songs My Mother Taught Me", from Gypsy Songs, Op. 55 – one of Dvořák's most beloved melodies.
"Evening Song" ("I Dreamed Last Night") from Op. 3, with text by Vítězslav Hálek – a gentle and lyrical miniature steeped in Romantic sentiment.

Product Features (H3)

Complete cycle of Biblical Songs, Op. 99 in Czech, featuring verses of King David from the Psalms.
Includes Songs My Mother Taught Me, one of Dvořák’s most iconic lyrical pieces.
Evening Song (Op. 3/2), a rare gem of Dvořák's early vocal output.
Lyrical and spiritual interpretations by two eminent Czech artists.
Liner notes include cultural and musicological insights.
Soviet export edition includes Russian-translated liner notes.

Track Listing

Side A 1–10. Biblical Songs, Op. 99

1. Clouds and Darkness (Andantino)
2. Lord, Thou Art My Refuge (Andante)
3. Hear My Prayer (Andante)
4. God is My Shepherd (Andante)
5. I Will Sing New Songs (Risoluto, Maestoso)
6. Hear My Prayer, O Lord (Andante)
7. By the Waters of Babylon (Andante)
8. Turn Thee to Me (Andante)
9. I Will Lift My Eyes (Andante con moto)