Jan Dismas Zelenka was a singular personality: reserved, unconventional, and deeply religious, a faith many considered excessive. Despite his character, he was never promoted to Kapellmeister at the Saxon court, but merely classified as a "church composer," which led not only to financial difficulties but also to a lack of appreciation for his musical work.
Little is known for certain about Zelenka's childhood and youth. He likely received his initial musical training from his father and subsequently attended the Jesuit college in Prague.[1][5] He began his career as a double bassist at the Dresden court of Augustus the Strong, where he soon gained recognition as a composer. Study trips to Vienna and possibly Italy broadened his skills, but with the rise of Johann Adolf Hasse, Zelenka's complex style lost popularity.[1][5] He died in 1745, disappointed and resigned.
He likely received his first musical training from his father and subsequently attended the Jesuit college in Prague.[1][5] It wasn't until decades after his death, in the 1820s, that Zelenka's significance was recognized, when Friedrich Rochlitz first drew attention to this long-forgotten composer. Rochlitz admired the distinctive harmonies and sophisticated voice leading in Zelenka's works, underscoring his musical talent.
This recording presents four of Zelenka's sacred compositions, which confirm Rochlitz's praise for harmony and vocal writing.
The "Litaniae de Venerabili Sacramento in C major," composed for the Corpus Christi procession in Dresden in 1727, showcases Zelenka's individual style through its artful counterpoint and original harmonic turns.
With "Regina caeli laetare in F major," Zelenka created a remarkable work with exceptional instrumentation and a concertante character. "Salve Regina, Mater Misericordiae in A minor" is based on an anonymous source and demonstrates Zelenka's compositional skill.
The last four pieces are taken from the "Officium Defunctorum" of 1733 and reveal Zelenka's sensitivity to instrumental color. His music conveys profound grief and a solemn religious atmosphere.