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Czech Heritage Mass (Mass for Spillville)
The Czech Heritage Mass (Mass for Spillville) was commissioned by the Czech Heritage Partnership for the 150th Anniversary of St. Wenceslaus Church in Spillville, Iowa. While this music is intended for cantor, congregation and organ (not a polka band), instruments may be added. There are two versions: one uses official, Catholic texts (published with ICEL, USCCB, NAB and CCD approval), the other uses more contemporary, evangelical texts suitable for protestant churches. The Mass has been performed in several locations throughout the USA.

The music is influenced by numerous Czech hymns, most notably Boze, pred tvou velebnosti (Holy God, we Bow Before You), as performed in Spillville in 1893 by the Master, Dvorak, on the same 1876 Pfeffer Organ as is heard today. When Dvorak played the Spillville organ, sources say he pulled out all the stops and "it sounded like thunder." Other musical sources include a 12th century Czech chant, a waltz, and a polka (or two).

There are 18 liturgical pieces (most have two versions from which you may pick). A few songs include optional verses in Czech. The purchase price includes a "lifetime" license and parts for congregation, choir and organ (both hard copy and electronic versions for Finale and Word). The license allows churches to copy the music so the congregation can sing along.

Several piano/organ pieces by Dvorak and his teacher, Antonin Liehmann, are included. These may be used as prelude, postlude or service music.

Czech Heritage Mass by Joan DeVee Dixon

  1. Gathering Hymn
  2. Gracious God (Kyrie)
  3. Gloria
  4. Psalm
  5. Gospel Acclamation
  6. Credo
  7. Intercessory prayers
  8. Offertory Hymn
  9. Holy, Holy, Holy
  10. Memorial Acclamation
  11. Great Amen
  12. The Lord's Prayer
  13. Lamb of God (Agnus Dei)
  14. Communion song
  15. Communion waltz
  16. Communion polka
  17. Post-Communion
  18. Processional Hymn