Dvorák composed the “Mass in D major” in 1887 at the suggestion of his patron Josef Hlávka for the inauguration of the Lužany castle chapel. It is written for choir and organ with sporadic passages for soloists, uses simple expressive devices and makes light technical demands. Thus, this work is easy to perform, also by amateur church choirs; all that is needed is a small choir and the solo parts can be sung by members of the choir.<br>
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The full score includes additional violoncello and double bass parts edited for the first time. Dvorák had penned them himself in a transcription of the organ version.<br>
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The choral score, likewise based on this edition, is tailored to meet the demands of today’s performers. It is compatible with all versions of the work, including Dvorák’s later orchestral version.<br>