Immerse yourself in the rich, baroque world of Jan Dismas Zelenka with this captivating album, released on May 1, 1990, by Deutsche Harmonia Mundi. Spanning a little over an hour, this collection showcases Zelenka's mastery of sacred choral and vocal music, featuring two of his most renowned works: the Missa dei Filii, ZWV 20, and the Litaniae Lauretanae, ZWV 152, "Salus infirmorum".
The Missa dei Filii is a stunning display of Zelenka's compositional prowess, with its intricate choral writing and powerful solo passages. The work opens with a dramatic "Kyrie eleison" and builds to a triumphant "Gloria in exclesis Deo", showcasing the full range of the choir and soloists. The Litaniae Lauretanae, on the other hand, is a more intimate affair, with a series of beautiful arias and choruses that highlight Zelenka's ability to convey deep emotion and spirituality through his music.
Throughout the album, Zelenka's unique voice shines through, blending the influences of his Czech roots with the Italian and German styles he encountered during his time in Dresden. The result is a sound that is both distinctive and timeless, offering a glimpse into the world of a composer who, despite his relative obscurity, left an indelible mark on the Baroque era.
This album is a must-listen for anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Baroque music, and a testament to the enduring power of Zelenka's compositions.
Vinylscout