Antonín Dvorák composed the MASS IN D MAJOR, Op. 86 to fulfill a commission by Josef Hlávka for the inauguration of a new chapel built for his home in Lužany. It was originally intended for choir, soloists, and organ, since the chapel could not accommodate an orchestra. The premiere took place on September 11, 1887 under the direction of the composer. The first public performance occurred at the Plzen municipal theatre the following spring. In 1892, Dvorák completed a version for full orchestra, B. 175.
Antonín Dvorák composed the MASS IN D MAJOR, Op. 86 to fulfill a commission by Josef Hlávka for the inauguration of a new chapel built for his home in Lužany. It was originally intended for choir, soloists, and organ, since the chapel could not accommodate an orchestra. The premiere took place on September 11, 1887 under the direction of the composer. The first public performance occurred at the Plzen municipal theatre the following spring. In 1892, Dvorák completed a version for full orchestra, B. 175.