Zelenka’s Missa Omnium Sanctorum

Jan Dismas Zelenka was one of the most important composers of the Czech baroque. Bach and Telemann, his contemporaries, praised Zelenka for his melodic and contrapuntal inventiveness. These elements are never more evident than in Zelenka’s Missa Omnium Sanctorum of 1741, a monumental work full of virtuosity, brilliance, and carefully crafted and impressive fugues. It’s the featured work on this week’s Baroque&Before.

Václav Luks founded in 2005 baroque ensemble Collegium Vocale 1704 and vocal ensemble Collegium Vocale 1704. Tonight they’re joined by five soloists to perform the Mass for All Saints. Tonight’s presentation was recorded live in concert September 9, 2023 in Kladruby Monastery church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, St. Wolfgang, and St. Benedict, established in 1115 by Vladislaus I, Duke of Bohemia. Thanks to our association with the European Broadcasting Union, we’re able to bring you tonight’s program as a stream for thirty days following the broadcast. A blue “Listen” button will appear when the link is accessible.