For Dvorák collectors, this three disc set by the Prague Singers of the Czech master's choruses and duets will fill many holes and answer several questions. As the title indicates, the holes it will fill are currently occupied by rarely the recorded Moravian Duets, Russian Songs and various Czech folk song settings for accompanied and unaccompanied choruses. Among the questions it will answer, the most intriguing is ‘what does Dvorák's acapella setting of the Largo from his "New World" Symphony sound like?' The answer to that question is that same as the answer to the question ‘how are the performances?' that is, in a word, heartwarming. Re-titled Domov muj (My Home) and shortened by the elimination of the central Trio, the Largo sounds pure, tender and unutterably nostalgic. And nearly the same could be said for every piece and every performance on these discs. Under director Stanislav Mistr, the Prague Singers are a superlative chorus with round toned sopranos, sweet toned altos, strong toned tenors and deep toned basses plus an amazingly cogent ensemble, an effortless sense of rhythm and, needless to say, a complete command of the Czech language. For those unfamiliar with Dvorák, of course, the "New World" Symphony itself might be better places to start. But for those who already know and love Dvorák along with those who know and love the 19th century choral repertoire of Schubert, Schumann, Mendelssohn and Brahms, this set will be eagerly embraced.
Brilliant's 2005 sound is deep, full and clear.