Jiří Antonín Benda, also known as Georg Anton Benda, was a renowned Bohemian composer, violinist, and Kapellmeister from the 18th century, born on June 30, 1722, in Benátky nad Jizerou and deceased on November 6, 1795, in Köstritz. He hailed from a significantly musical family and became a pivotal figure in the development of the melodrama genre, a form of musical theater which combines spoken dialogue with background music. Benda's contribution to this genre is exemplified by his most famous works, "Medea" and "Ariadne auf Naxos," both of which have been influential pieces demonstrating the emotive potential of orchestral and vocal music in storytelling.

Throughout his career, Benda also composed a wealth of instrumental music, with a particular prowess for keyboard and chamber works. His keyboard sonatas are characterized by their melodic charm and stylistic articulation of the early Classical period. They reveal a significant influence of the prevailing gallant aesthetic while also blending elements of the baroque tradition. Among his recent releases, the collections “Georg Anton Benda: Keyboard Sonatas Nos. 1-16” represent an integral exploration of his contributions to keyboard literature, offering insights into the transitional phase of music between the Baroque and Classical eras. The release "Quantz, CPE Bach, F & GA Benda: Flute Baroque Sonatas" situates Benda among his contemporaries, showcasing the collaborative and intertextual nature of 18th-century composition. As musical tastes and styles evolved, Benda's work remained vital for its clarity, expressiveness, and the unique dramaturgy that permeated both his vocal and instrumental music.

Genres

Classical Era

Czech Classical

Galante Era

Latest Release

Benda: Sei Sonate per il Cembalo Solo, Sonata No. 4 in F Major: III. Presto

Jiří Antonín Benda

Single - Released March 22, 2024