Jan Dismas Zelenka: Psalmi Vespertini I

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the sacred and sublime with Jan Dismas Zelenka's "Psalmi Vespertini I," a masterful collection of Vespers settings composed in 1725. This extraordinary work, presented here in its world premiere recording, is the first installment of a cycle of 33 compositions that showcase Zelenka's profound musical genius and deep spiritual insight. The album features a stunning array of psalm settings, including "Dixit Dominus," "Confitebor tibi Domine," "Beatus vir," and "Magnificat," each one a testament to Zelenka's unique voice and masterful command of Baroque compositional techniques.

Performed by the acclaimed Prague Baroque Soloists and Inegal Ensemble under the direction of Adam Viktora, this recording brings Zelenka's vivid and expressive music to life with breathtaking clarity and vitality. The ensemble's impeccable musicianship and scholarly approach to historical performance practices ensure an authentic and engaging listening experience.

Spanning nearly 80 minutes, "Psalmi Vespertini I" offers a rich and rewarding journey through the sacred texts of the Vespers service, with each track a beautifully crafted exploration of the human spirit's connection to the divine. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of Baroque music or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. The intricate polyphony, the soaring melodies, and the profound harmonies of Zelenka's compositions are brought to life in this stunning recording, making it an essential addition to any music lover's collection.

26 november 2015

Nibiru

About Jan Dismas Zelenka

Jan Dismas Zelenka, born in the small Bohemian town of Louňovice pod Blaníkem in 1679, is a Baroque composer whose music has only recently begun to receive the widespread acclaim it deserves. Often hailed as the "Czech Bach," Zelenka's compositions are celebrated for their harmonic inventiveness and masterful counterpoint. Raised by an organist father, Zelenka's musical education began at the Prague Jesuit College and continued in Vienna. His professional life was spent in Dresden, where he served as a principal double-bass player and composer for the Saxon court. Zelenka's output is predominantly sacred, reflecting his deep religious fervor, and includes masses, requiems, oratorios, and various liturgical works. His music, characterized by its adventurous harmonies and intricate polyphony, has seen a remarkable resurgence in the last few decades, captivating audiences and musicians alike. Today, festivals dedicated to his work, such as the Podblanický hudební podzim and the international Zelenka Festival Prague, celebrate his enduring legacy.