Dvorák's Requiem performed by Stroud Choral Society

We are really looking forward to performing such a dramatic, atmospheric and thrilling work as Dvorák’s Requiem.

Antonín Dvorák composed the Requiem at the beginning of his peak creative period. The construction of the Mass is not typical as the composition is divided into two basic parts. Dvorák inserted between the Sanctus and Agnus Dei a lyrical Pie Jesu movement based on the final text of the Dies Irae sequence. The Requiem's basic melodic motif is created by two ascending half-tones with an incorporated very sorrowful diminished third, which begins the piece and continues in many variations as the main motif throughout the whole work. This composition was performed for the first time on 9 October 1891 in Birmingham with the composer conducting.