Zelenka: Missa Votiva, ZWV 18

Immerse yourself in the rich, Baroque soundscape of Jan Dismas Zelenka's "Missa Votiva, ZWV 18," a masterful composition that showcases the Czech composer's unique blend of Italian and German musical influences. Released on Alpha Classics in 2008, this album is a testament to Zelenka's virtuosity and his ability to craft intricate, emotionally resonant music.

The "Missa Votiva" is a votive mass, a musical form typically performed on special occasions or in honor of a particular saint. Zelenka's setting, in E minor, is a profound and moving work, characterized by its dramatic contrasts, rich harmonies, and inventive use of musical forms. The album spans a duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes, offering a comprehensive exploration of this remarkable composition.

Each of the twenty tracks on the album presents a different section of the mass, from the opening "Kyrie" to the closing "Dona Nobis Pacem." Zelenka's music is known for its complexity and depth, and this album is no exception. The "Missa Votiva" is a work that rewards careful listening, with its intricate counterpoint, rich textures, and profound emotional depth.

Jan Dismas Zelenka, often overshadowed by his more famous contemporaries, was a composer of considerable talent and originality. His music, like that of his better-known contemporaries, is a testament to the power of the Baroque era, a time of great musical innovation and experimentation. This album offers a chance to discover or rediscover Zelenka's music, and to appreciate the unique contributions he made to the Baroque repertoire.