Search - Jan Dismas Zelenka, Roman Valek, Ensemble Baroque 1994 :: Zelenka: Requiem in D minor & Miserere in C minor / Valek

A fine example of Zelenka's excellent workmanship..

GeneH | Pennsylvania, USA | 05/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Requiem, to quote the liner notes, was commissioned to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the death of Austrian Emperor Joseph I by his daugher Maria Josepha. Zelenka used a very somber and solemn tone throughout, structuring the work upon a Mass. Composed of seven different fugues bound together by the theme of mourning, it is typical early Zelenka; excellent. The oboe work is fantasic, solemn and appropriate. There is even a brief solo appearance by Violons, Zelenka's personal instrument. If you liked his Trio Sonatas you will enjoy this piece.A most poignant note about the Requiem. The original manuscript was thought lost in the Dresden Firebombings. According to the liner notes, a copy was found in Prague and was corrected by scores found in archives located in Slovakia. The work was premered again in 1988. The Requiem is a miracle piece which reappeared in a time when it would be given its due.The Miserere is a later work and sounds operatic in a more modern sense. It more closely resembles the late masses than the early works such as the Trio Sonatas. As such it is also excellent. Both pieces were realized by Baroque Ensemble 1994. I hope that they have done other works which I can seek out and enjoy.I recommend this work without reservation."