Zelenka: Missa Divi Xaverii, ZWV 12 & Litaniae de Sancto Xaverio, ZWV 156

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the rich, Baroque splendor of Jan Dismas Zelenka's "Missa Divi Xaverii, ZWV 12 & Litaniae de Sancto Xaverio, ZWV 156," a stunning collection of sacred choral works that showcase the composer's mastery and innovation. This album, released in 2016, presents two of Zelenka's most significant compositions, both dedicated to Saint Francis Xavier and composed for performances in December 1729.

The "Missa Divi Xaverii, ZWV 12" is one of Zelenka's most expansive and richly orchestrated scores, featuring a large ensemble of voices and instruments. This magnificent Mass is a testament to Zelenka's skill in crafting intricate polyphony and his ability to create a sense of grandeur and solemnity. The companion work, "Litaniae de Sancto Xaverio, ZWV 156," complements the Mass with its own aural brilliance, offering a diverse range of textures and moods.

Jan Dismas Zelenka, a contemporary of Johann Sebastian Bach, served at the Catholic court of Dresden, where he composed this impressive body of work. The performances on this album, conducted by Václav Luks and featuring the renowned Collegium Vocale 1704 and Collegium 1704, bring Zelenka's music to life with vibrant energy and historical authenticity.

Spanning over an hour, this album is a captivating journey through the Baroque era, showcasing Zelenka's unique voice and his significant contributions to the choral repertoire. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Baroque music or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rewarding and enriching listening experience.

25 mrt 2016

2016 Accent

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.