Foi et effroi à travers les Chants bibliques op. 99 d’Antonín Dvořák

The 10 Biblical songs, a complete cycle, are based on ten Psalms, freely built by Dvorak from excerpts of original texts. The whole, based especially on the dialectic of faith and fright, caused the composer to set to music some words and sentences in a special way. Chosen verses, omitted verses, metrics, nuances, tonal constructions, but also linguistic adjustments - for English or German translations - and multiplication of the versions (with piano or with orchestra) put in light a progression going twice from pain to praise, from entreaty to confidence via fear. Beyond nostalgic vague memories of the native country and the loneliness in foreign countries, is a progression which allows a better understanding of Dvorak's religious renewal during his stay in America.