Zelenka: Missa Dei Filii/Litaniae Lauretanae

A RE-RELEASE (AT A REASONABLE PRICE) OF A 1989 ZELENKA-BERNIUS RECORDING

If Handel and Bach are the first two members of the Baroque Musical Trinity, then Jan Dismas Zelenka (1679-1745) must be the third. For this recording displays most of the attributes that define 'greatness'. It gave me seventy minutes of unending pleasure.

Zelenka's entire repertoire only extends to some one-hundred and fifty compositions and consists of a small number of instrumental selections, and a larger group of sacred vocal selections such as masses and requiems, psalms, magnificats, hymns and a few secular vocal works.

Zelenka's music is always fresh and creative, often surprising in its sudden harmonic turns and demanding instrumentations. Overall, his many compositions, both choral and instrumental, are marvelous examples of a subtle blend of Italian and French manners with a most distinctive personal style. Fluency of declamation and wide phrases with elegantly shaped melodies in his choral works are clearly Italianate. French influence is seen in the formal organization of the music into relatively short and contrasting sections.

The 'Missa Dei Filii'ZWV20 recorded on this disc is a mass in honor of the Son of God. As was usual in the first half of the 18th century, Zelenka's masses are so-called 'number works' in which the five parts of the ordinary of the mass (Kyrie,Gloria,Credo,Sanctus and Agnus Dei), are subidivided into smaller, musically independent single movements. Therefore, it is considered to be a 'short mass' because it contains only a 'Kyrie'(divided into three movements) and a 'Gloria' (divided into seven movements).

Zelenka left nine large scale settings of various litanae, the 'Litanae Lauretenae' subtitled 'Salus Infirmorum' (The healer of the infirm) was composed in 1744. It has nine movements with varied ensemble groupings:Trio (S.A.T.), quartet (S.A.T.B.), three arias, one each for soprano, alto, tenor and four choruses, all of which are very well sung on this disc and lovely to hear!

It's hard to believe that it took so long for Zelenka's music to surface, and I fervently hope that more recordings of it are on the way. All the music herein as a whole demands excellent vocal technique and brilliant virtuosity from all the singers and instrumentalists involved. Good example of this: 'Quoniam tu solus sanctus' as performed by Michael Chance, countertenor, in the 'Gloria'.

The performance of this music is impressive because the excitement never ceases at any time during the performance. Nancy Argenta, soprano, sings the best I have ever heard from her; Michael Chance, countertenor, is perfection with his flawless diction, wonderful flexibility and enchanting tone quality; Christopher Pregardien, tenor, has a warm and resonant sound and Gordon Jones, bass, sings with ease and 'lightness'. The Kammerchor Stuttgart, under the talented direction of Frieder Bernius, is very fine as per usual with a buoyant and 'yummy' sound. Tafelmusic: skillfully provides an excellent accompaniment; 'bravo' Jean Lamon. I can't imagine anyone into Early Music who would not welcome this recording.

As far as I can tell, this is a fine recording - I enjoy it, though I haven't heard alternatives.

Anyway, what I'm really here to say is that this is available as part of the DHM 50th anniversary box set, which is getting hard to find but may be a good deal if you can. Deutsche Harmonia Mundi 50th Anniversary Box. So if you're considering this recording, you might consider that box. You really won't go wrong either way.

... but the weakness is the same. All the soloists and instrumentalists perform brilliantly. Nevertheless, I'm not satisfied with the totality of this recording. The broad-band timbre and tuning of the Kammerchor Stuttgart distresses me. Choruses of 35 singers may have been available to Zelenka and other baroque composers, so the issue is not historical authenticity. It's acoustic recordability. To my ears, the sound of the coro sections on this CD is just a big white noise whoosh. If you don't happen to mind that sound, then you can adjust my rating to five stars. Even if you share my lack of enthusiasm for recordings of semi-professional choruses, you will be excited and delighted by all the rest.

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