Missa 1724

Experience the resurgence of Czech Baroque brilliance with Jan Dismas Zelenka's "Missa 1724," a stunning collection of sacred choral works that showcase the composer's mastery and innovation. This album, released in 2020, features a selection of Zelenka's most profound compositions, including the intricate "Kyrie, Sanctus & Agnus Dei, ZWV 26," the jubilant "Gloria, ZWV 30," and the profound "Credo, ZWV 32," culminating in the serene "Salve Regina, ZWV 137." Each piece is a testament to Zelenka's unique voice and his significant contributions to the Baroque era.

Conducted by Václav Luks and performed by the esteemed Collegium 1704 and Collegium Vocale 1704, this studio recording captures the essence of Zelenka's genius with clarity and precision. The album spans 54 minutes, offering a rich and immersive experience of Baroque choral music. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or new to the genre, "Missa 1724" provides a captivating journey through the sacred works of one of the most rediscovered composers of our time.

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.