Zelenka: Missa Dei patris, Psalms & Capriccio's

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Jan Dismas Zelenka, one of the most intriguing and innovative composers of the Baroque era. This two-CD set offers a deep dive into the sacred and instrumental works of this enigmatic Czech composer, featuring three large-scale sacred works and three virtuosic Capriccios. Zelenka, a contemporary of Bach and Telemann, is renowned for his unique and forward-looking compositions, which often blend the grandeur of Italian opera with the emerging style galant.

The centerpiece of this collection is the Missa Dei Patris, a monumental setting of the Ordinarium Missae that stands out for its originality and artistic independence. This mass is a testament to Zelenka's mastery of choral writing and his ability to push the boundaries of Baroque sacred music. The album also includes performances of the psalms Laudate pueri and Confitebor tibi Domine, showcasing Zelenka's skill in setting sacred texts to music.

In addition to the sacred works, this set features three instrumental Capriccios, which are suites of remarkable virtuosity and brilliance. These works highlight Zelenka's compositional prowess and his ability to create intricate and engaging music for instrumental ensembles. The performances on this album are led by renowned singers such as René Jacobs, Peter Schreier, and Olaf Bär, accompanied by the Virtuosi Saxoniae, ensuring a high level of musical excellence.

Jan Dismas Zelenka's life and work remain shrouded in mystery, but his compositions speak volumes about his genius and innovation. This album is a fantastic opportunity to explore the rich and diverse musical landscape of this Baroque master, offering a blend of sacred and instrumental works that showcase his unique voice and enduring legacy. With a duration of over two hours, this collection is perfect for those who appreciate the depth and complexity of Baroque music.

2 augustus 2013

2012 Brilliant Classics

2013 Brilliant Classics

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.