Zelenka: Missa Votiva, ZWV 18

Immerse yourself in the profound and passionate world of Jan Dismas Zelenka with his masterful "Missa Votiva in E Minor, ZWV 18." This exquisite Baroque composition, penned in 1739, is a testament to Zelenka's deep musical insight and spiritual fervor. The album, released on Alpha Classics in 2008, features the renowned Collegium 1704 and Collegium Vocale 1704, conducted by Václav Luks, delivering a performance that is both historically informed and deeply moving.

Spanning over an hour, this votive mass is a rich tapestry of vocal and instrumental textures, showcasing Zelenka's unique voice within the Baroque era. The work is divided into twenty movements, each meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of reverence and devotion. From the hauntingly beautiful "Kyrie" to the triumphant "Gloria," every section of this mass invites repeated listening, revealing new layers of complexity and beauty with each encounter.

Recorded in the acoustically stunning Church of St. Louis du Prytanee de la Fleche in France, the album captures the essence of this sacred music, allowing the listener to experience the full grandeur of Zelenka's composition. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a curious newcomer, "Missa Votiva in E Minor, ZWV 18" offers a captivating journey into the heart of Baroque sacred music, performed by some of the most respected artists in the field.

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.