Zelenka: Missa sanctissimae trinitatis

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the rich, Baroque splendor of Jan Dismas Zelenka's "Missa Sanctissimae Trinitatis," a masterful work that showcases the composer's unique voice and profound musical insight. This album, released in 2012, features the extraordinary "Missa Sanctissimae Trinitatis" in A minor, ZWV 17, completed in 1736, along with the lesser-known "Gaude laetare," ZWV 168. Recorded in the acoustically stunning Salvator's Church in Prague by the Ensemble Inégal and Prague Baroque Soloists under the direction of Adam Viktora, this album offers a captivating journey through Zelenka's sacred music.

Jan Dismas Zelenka, a Czech composer often overshadowed by his contemporaries, reveals his genius in this collection. The "Missa Sanctissimae Trinitatis" is a monumental work, characterized by its intensity and expressive depth. Unlike the more decorative masses of his time, Zelenka's music serves as a powerful expression of both human and divine dimensions. The album's centerpiece, the "Missa Sanctissimae Trinitatis," is a testament to Zelenka's mastery of the Baroque style, featuring intricate polyphony and soaring melodies that elevate the sacred text to new heights.

The album begins with "Gaude laetare," a joyous and uplifting work that sets the stage for the grandeur of the mass. The "Missa Sanctissimae Trinitatis" itself is divided into five movements, each meticulously crafted to reflect the liturgical text. From the solemn opening of the "Kyrie" to the triumphant "Gloria," and the contemplative "Credo," every section is a testament to Zelenka's compositional skill. The "Sanctus" and "Agnus Dei" movements are particularly noteworthy, showcasing Zelenka's ability to blend vocal and instrumental forces in a harmonious and expressive manner.

This album is a rare opportunity to experience the music of Jan Dismas Zelenka, a composer whose works are increasingly recognized for their depth and originality. The performances by Ensemble Inégal and the Prague Baroque Soloists are impeccable, bringing out the subtleties and grandeur of Zelenka's compositions. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Baroque music or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.

3 dec 2012

Nibiru

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.