Dvorak Mass in D

An afternoon concert of beautiful music presented by the Tauranga Civic Choir, directed by Nigel Williams.

The main focus of the programme is Antonin Dvořák’s Mass in D Major. Dvořák was commissioned to compose a mass by the architect and patron of the arts Josef Hlávka, for the inauguration of the chapel that he had built for his summer residence. On completion of the work, the composer wrote “I am pleased to announce that I have finished the work and that I am supremely pleased with the result. I think it will be a work that will fully suit its purpose …”. The mass was first performed at the chapel on 11 September 1887, conducted by the composer. Zdenka Hlávka, the architect's wife, and Dvořák's wife, Anna, were among the soloists. The first public performance was on 15 April 1888.

Other pieces in the programme are Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach); Hear my Prayer (Mendelssohn); Geistliches Lied, Op.30 (Brahms), and How Lovely are Thy Dwellings (Brahms).