Zelenka: 8 Italian Arias, ZWV 176

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Baroque music with Jan Dismas Zelenka's "8 Italian Arias, ZWV 176," a captivating collection of arias that showcase the composer's mastery of the Italian style. Released on February 26, 2016, this album features eight exquisite arias that were originally part of Zelenka's 1733 application for the prestigious head position at the Dresden court, where he was then serving as the second composer.

The album, released under the Accent label, spans a duration of 1 hour and 9 minutes, offering a rich and immersive listening experience. Each aria is a testament to Zelenka's compositional prowess, blending lyrical beauty with technical brilliance. The performances are brought to life by a stellar ensemble, including Petr Wagner, Hana Blažíková, Markéta Cukrová, Tomáš Šelc, and Ensemble Tourbillon, who together deliver a nuanced and expressive rendition of these timeless pieces.

From the opening aria "Se pensi cangiar quel core" to the closing "Son da più venti," the album takes you on a journey through the depths of human emotion and artistic expression. Whether you are a seasoned Baroque enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. The intricate harmonies, vivid melodies, and dynamic contrasts in these arias highlight Zelenka's unique voice and his enduring influence on the Baroque repertoire.