Zelenka Missa Sanctae Caeciliae

Immerse yourself in the sacred and historic sounds of Jan Dismas Zelenka's early masterpieces with this captivating album. "Zelenka Missa Sanctae Caeciliae" presents two of the composer's earliest works, both of which are world premiere recordings. The album opens with Zelenka's first composition after joining the court in Dresden, the Missa Sanctae Caeciliae (ZWV 1). This mass, dedicated to Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music, showcases Zelenka's early prowess in sacred music composition, reflecting his transition from a double bass player to a esteemed composer at the Catholic court.

Complementing the mass is the motet Currite ad aras (ZWV 166), composed during Zelenka's studies in Vienna with Johann Joseph Fux. This brief yet powerful work adds depth to the album, offering a glimpse into Zelenka's evolving style and his engagement with the musical traditions of his time. The album features the Prague Baroque Soloists, known for their authentic and expressive performances of Baroque music. With detailed programme notes provided by Nibiru, this recording offers both novice and seasoned enthusiasts of Baroque music a rich and enlightening listening experience. The album spans 52 minutes, providing a concise yet comprehensive exploration of Zelenka's early sacred works.

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.