Dvorák on the edge His Stabat Mater reconsidered, by BASIL RAMSEY Naxos    8.555301-02

During its early life, Dvorák's Stabat Mater [listen -- CD1 track 3, 0:00-1:10] had a connection with the UK -- in 1884 the composer visited England and conducted the work in London and Worcester, and then again in London the following year.

Dvorák provided this setting with the solemnity such a subject requires, yet it veers slightly towards respect rather than illumination. Vibrancy does not occur unless there is a strong bond between music and text. Dvorák was rarely amiss with basic requirements, so he usually partnered words and music imaginatively. This Stabat Mater therefore appears to me at a slight disadvantage. But my reservations are not widespread, for the score as a whole contains much expressive music. When we reach a verdict trembling between good and less good, only we can measure it for ourselves and decide if we keep hold or let go.

The American singers and players provide a reasonable performance.

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Record Box is Music & Vision's regular Saturday series of shorter CD reviews