Zelenka's Missa Sancti Josephi, composed around 1732, was influenced by the ultra-modern opera music of Johann Adolf Hasse, particularly in its arias and solo ensembles.
Compositional Technique
The Missa Sancti Josephi features an exceptionally large ensemble, deploying all the forces of the Dresden court orchestra, which was a world leader at the time.
Composition History
Psalm 129 De profundis was performed by Zelenka in Dresden in 1724 in memory of his recently deceased father, Jiří Zelenka, who was a cantor and organist.
Compositional Technique
The Missa Sancti Josephi and Missa Divi Xaverii by Zelenka omit the Credo, following the principle that this section is usually reserved for masses dedicated to the Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Virgin Mary, and Prophets.
Composition History
Zelenka's autograph score for the Missa Sancti Josephi was badly damaged by fire during the bombing of Dresden in February 1945, and its reconstruction required extensive work.
Composer Biography
Jan Dismas Zelenka, a Bohemian composer, served as a double bass player and composer at the Dresden court under Augustus the Strong and his son Frederic Augustus II.
Performer Biography
Daniel Taylor, a leading countertenor, has collaborated with Frieder Bernius and his ensembles for many years, resulting in several award-winning CD recordings.
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