Zelenka: Confitebor, Laudate pueri & 3 Capricci

Immerse yourself in the baroque brilliance of Jan Dismas Zelenka with this captivating album, released in 1995 under the Berlin Classics label. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 6 minutes, this collection offers a deep dive into the innovative compositions of one of the Baroque era's most distinctive voices. The album features a selection of Zelenka's sacred and instrumental works, showcasing his unique style and mastery of the Baroque form.

The album opens with the lively and intricate movements of Zelenka's Capriccio in G Major, ZWV 183, followed by the spirited "Canarie" and the elegant "Gavotte." The collection also includes the joyous "Laudate pueri" in D Major, ZWV 81, a work that highlights Zelenka's skill in setting sacred texts to music. The album's instrumental pieces, such as the Capriccio No. 5 in G Major, ZWV 190, and the Capriccio in A Major, ZWV 185, offer a rich tapestry of dance-inspired movements, from the lively "Allegro" to the contemplative "Adagio."

One of the standout pieces is the "Confitebor tibi Domine" in C Minor, ZWV 71, a powerful and introspective work that showcases Zelenka's ability to convey deep spiritual devotion through music. Each of the 16 tracks on this album is a testament to Zelenka's innovative compositional style, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Zelenka's work or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.

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.