Dvorák, Antonín : The Spectre’s Bride

The preference of English audiences for large-scale vocal works led to Dvor·k being commissioned in November 1883 to write a cantata for solo voices, chorus and orchestra for the 1885 Birmingham Musical Festival.

As the basis for his composition, Dvor·k chose the ballad text ìSvatebnÌ koöileî (literally ìThe Bridal Gownsî) from the collection ìKytice z povestÌ n·rodnÌchî (ìA Garland of Folk Talesî) by the Czech poet Karel JaromÌr Erben (1811ñ1870).

Dvor·k stipulated that the premiere take place in Bohemia. The work was then taken up in England with great enthusiasm.

– Separate edition from the ìNew Complete Dvor·k Editionî, vol. II/2
– New foreword by Daniela Philippi (Cz/Eng/Ger)
– Underlayed singing text in three languages (Cz/Eng/Ger)