A conductor’s guide to the original organ version of Antonín Dvořák’s Mass in D major, opus 86, including a critical comparison of the published editions

Antonín Dvořák (1841–1904) is one of the greatest Czech composers in the 19th century, writing prolifically for symphonies, chamber music, vocal music, opera and sacred choral works. His Mass in D Major, Opus 86, is the only known mass that exists in Dvořák's compositions. Today the work is seldom performed, particularly outside of Europe, and few resources exist to provide reflection or analysis. Thus, this dissertation examines how Dvořák’s Mass was written for an amateur choir, with specific consideration given to its technical difficulties and challenges. ❧ The study commences with an introduction on the author’s reason for the study. The second chapter includes a biographical outline of Dvořák, with special attention to his scared choral works and his religious faith. The third chapter provides the historical background of Mass in D including Dvořák relationship with the Josef Hlávka family, the original performance environment and the reviews of its premiers. The fourth chapter provides a summary of the eleven published versions and a comparison between some of the key versions with the original manuscripts as this information may help conductors to choose the right version and understand its differences. A list of the eleven published versions of Mass in D with publisher, editor and reference number is included in this chapter for easy reference. The fifth chapter offers further insight into the Mass with highlights on its overall characteristics, its tonality and similarity to Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis, and a brief analysis of the organ version. The sixth chapter addresses important points around interpretive decisions and conducting considerations for conductors of amateur choirs on the work. This dissertation provides a basic outline and analysis for those who wish to perform Mass in D, particularly with an amateur choir.