Jan Dismas Zelenka, a name synonymous with the rich tapestry of Baroque music, was a Czech composer and musician renowned for his inventive and often complex compositions. Born on October 16, 1679, in Louňovice pod Blaníkem, Bohemia, he spent the majority of his career at the court of Dresden where he served as a double bass player and later as a composer. Despite being relatively obscure during his lifetime and for many years after his death on December 22, 1745, Zelenka's work has undergone a significant revival in recent times, revealing his prowess as a composer of great depth and originality.

His most recent releases showcase a profound mastery of liturgical music, with works such as "Zelenka Missa Charitatis", "Missa Sancti Spiritus", and "Missa omnium sanctorum" exemplifying the sacred genre that dominated his oeuvre. Zelenka's music is characterized by its intricate counterpoint, adventurous harmonies, and a dramatic intensity that is atmospheric and deeply moving. His "Trio Sonatas ZWV 181" display a dazzling command of instrumental writing, while his motets and psalm settings, such as those found in "Zelenka: Solo Motets" and "Psalmi Vespertini", demonstrate his versatility and the emotional potency of his choral works. Revered for his contrapuntal skills and bold harmonic language, Zelenka's contributions to the Baroque period have firmly established his place as a significant, yet underappreciated, musical genius.

Genres

Baroque

Bohemian Baroque

Classical Era

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Latest Release

Zelenka: Trio Sonatas Zwv 181 & Ghosts

Jan Dismas Zelenka

Album - 27 Tracks - Released June 7, 2024