If we speak about the late works of Jan Dismas Zelenka (1679-1745) we usually refer to his masses, oratorios or litanies, which have today finally acquired the attention and acclaim they fully deserve. But among these works we also find secular vocal compositions such as the serenata 'Il Diamante and a collection of Italian arias. Throughout the 1720s Zelenka composed mainly sacred music for the Catholic church but after Johann David Heinichen's death Zelenka petitioned officially for the post of Kapellmeister in 1733, writing a set of eight Italian arias as the court wished to re-establish opera in Dresden. It has to be admitted that the surviving arias - even though masterpieces - reflect a certain negligence of the standard principles of theatrical style, which may have been difficult or, more likely, unimportant for a composer who had devoted his life to church music. However, these unorthodox arias represent a good example of Zelenka's unique style. The Prague based Ensemble Tourbillon and Petr Wagner present the first complete recording of the eight Italian arias. Singers are Czech soprano star Hana Blazikova (five arias) assisted by the promising mezzo-soprano Marketa Cukrova (two arias) and the Slovakian bass Tomas Selc (one aria).
No. 1. Se pensi cangiar quel core (8:51) -- No. 2. Povera fede sei pur mal spesa (9:35) -- No. 3. E voi siete d'altri (10:06) -- No. 4. Non si trova, ne si da (6:38) -- No. 5. Se ha per guida la costanza (6:38) -- No. 6. Non so se piu vi rivedro (7 min. ) -- No. 7. Senti ti voglio ancor (7:15) -- No. 8. Son da piu venti (10:20).
Language (note)
Sung in Italian.
Author
Zelenka, Johann Dismas, 1679-1745, composer.
Title
Italian arias / Jan Dismas Zelenka.
Publisher
[Germany] Note 1 Music [2016]
Type of content
performed music
Type of medium
audio
Type of carrier
audio disc
Digital file characteristics
audio file
Performer
Hana Blažíková, soprano ; Markéta Cukrová, alto ; Tomáš Šelc, bass-baritone ; Petr Wagner, viola gamba, direction ; Ensemble Tourbillon.
Event
Recorded 2015 February at Tyršův dům, Prague (Czech Republic).