Zelenka: Missa Sancti Josephi & Litaniae Xaverianae

Immerse yourself in the rich, Baroque splendor of Jan Dismas Zelenka's sacred music with this captivating album, released on November 22, 2010, by Nibiru. This recording features two of Zelenka's most revered compositions: the Missa Sancti Josephi in D Major, ZWV 14, and the Litaniae Xaverianae in D Major, ZWV 155. These works showcase Zelenka's mastery of counterpoint and his unique voice within the Baroque tradition.

The Missa Sancti Josephi is a stunning example of Zelenka's ability to blend the sacred and the sublime. Each movement, from the solemn Kyrie to the triumphant Gloria and the serene Agnus Dei, is a testament to his compositional prowess. The Litaniae Xaverianae, a litany in honor of Saint Francis Xavier, offers a more contemplative experience, with its intricate polyphony and devotional texts.

Performed by the acclaimed Ensemble Inégal and the Prague Baroque Soloists, this album benefits from a superb team of soloists who bring these works to life with passion and precision. The ensemble's commitment to historical performance practices ensures an authentic and engaging listening experience.

Spanning just over an hour, this album is a treasure trove for fans of Baroque music and those seeking to explore the depths of Zelenka's musical genius. The intricate harmonies, soaring melodies, and profound spirituality of these works make for an unforgettable journey through the Baroque era.

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.