Immerse yourself in the rich, baroque world of Jan Dismas Zelenka with "Psalmi Vespertini II," a captivating collection of sacred vocal works that showcase the composer's mastery of counterpoint and harmonic innovation. Released in 2016, this album features 17 tracks, including several world premiere recordings, performed by the esteemed Ensemble Inégal and the Prague Baroque Soloists under the direction of Adam Viktora.
Zelenka, a contemporary of Johann Sebastian Bach, was a prolific composer whose works, though less widely known, are no less deserving of admiration. "Psalmi Vespertini II" offers a deep dive into Zelenka's settings of the evening psalms, providing a unique perspective on his musical language and spiritual depth. The album spans a variety of moods and textures, from the grand and majestic to the intimate and reflective, all rendered with exquisite clarity and vitality.
Highlights include the powerful "Dixit Dominus" and "Beatus Vir," which demonstrate Zelenka's skill in handling large-scale choral writing, as well as the more intimate "Nisi Dominus" and "Credidi," which showcase his ability to craft delicate, expressive vocal lines. The album also features several settings of the "Magnificat," each offering a fresh interpretation of this beloved text.
With a total duration of just over an hour and five minutes, "Psalmi Vespertini II" is a substantial and rewarding listening experience. The performances are impeccable, with the ensemble and soloists bringing a keen sense of style and historical awareness to Zelenka's music. The recording quality is excellent, capturing the warmth and detail of the performances with great fidelity.
Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of baroque music or a newcomer to the genre, "Psalmi Vespertini II" offers a compelling introduction to the world of Jan Dismas Zelenka. This album is a testament to the enduring power and beauty of his music, and a reminder of why his works continue to captivate audiences today.
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Tracks
Dixit Dominus, ZWV 68: Dixit DominusJan Dismas Zelenka, Ensemble Inégal, Prague Baroque Soloists, Adam Viktora, Gabriela Eibenová, Filippo Mineccia, Tobias Hunger, Jiri Miroslav Prochazka
Dixit Dominus, ZWV 68: Sicut erat in principioJan Dismas Zelenka, Ensemble Inégal, Prague Baroque Soloists, Adam Viktora
Dixit Dominus, ZWV 68: AmenJan Dismas Zelenka, Ensemble Inégal, Prague Baroque Soloists, Adam Viktora
Beatus vir, ZWV 76: Beatus virJan Dismas Zelenka, Ensemble Inégal, Prague Baroque Soloists, Adam Viktora, Tobias Hunger, Marian Krejcik
Credidi, ZWV 85: Credidi - World Premiere RecordingsJan Dismas Zelenka, Ensemble Inégal, Prague Baroque Soloists, Adam Viktora, Gabriela Eibenová, Filippo Mineccia, Tobias Hunger, Marian Krejcik
De profundis, ZWV 96: De profundis - World Premiere RecordingsJan Dismas Zelenka, Ensemble Inégal, Prague Baroque Soloists, Adam Viktora, Marian Krejcik
De profundis, ZWV 96: Sustinuit anima mea - World Premiere RecordingsJan Dismas Zelenka, Ensemble Inégal, Prague Baroque Soloists, Adam Viktora, Gabriela Eibenová, Filippo Mineccia, Tobias Hunger, Marian Krejcik
De profundis, ZWV 96: Gloria Patri - World Premiere RecordingsJan Dismas Zelenka, Ensemble Inégal, Prague Baroque Soloists, Adam Viktora
Jan Dismas Zelenka, born in 1679 in Louňovice pod Blaníkem, Bohemia, was a remarkable composer and musician of the Baroque era. His compositions, known for their harmonic ingenuity and mastery of counterpoint, have earned him a place among the greats of the period. Zelenka's works span a wide range of vocal and instrumental genres, including masses, oratorios, operas, and chamber music. His Trio Sonatas, in particular, are celebrated for their tuneful melodies, rhythmic unpredictability, and harmonically adventurous spirit, making them both delightful and challenging to experience. Despite his talent, Zelenka's fame was overshadowed during his lifetime, with even the renowned J.S. Bach recognizing his genius. Today, Zelenka's music continues to captivate audiences with its inventive and expressive qualities, offering a unique journey into the Baroque era.
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Jan Dismas Zelenka
