I Penitenti (Dig)

J.D. Zelenka (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 13, 2009)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Zig Zag Territoires
• ASIN: B002BX4W62
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #95,935 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Since the Sablé Festival in 2007, Collegium 1704 has won the heart of French and German audiences alike, for their fervor and for the high quality of both orchestra and choir. This oratorio was performed in Dresden under the patronage of Marie Josèphe of Austria, wife of Augustus the Strong. It tells the edifying story of an imaginary meeting between King David, Mary Magdalene, and Saint Peter around Christ's tomb. The oratorio of the Counter Reformation in all its splendor, it was created to improve the mind and educate the heart through emotion and the sheer beauty of the music.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ravashing Zelenka, September 20, 2009

By 

Qwerty - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Zelenka: Penitenti (MP3 Download)

Jan Dismas Zelenka (1679-1745) was a contemporary of Bach, Vivaldi, and Handel who spent the majority of his career in Dresden. As Goldberg Magazine says: "Zelenka's music is always fresh and creative. His instrumental works often surprise the listener with sudden turns of harmony . . . Zelenka's choral works are difficult to place in time; in his eclectic mix of drama, counterpoint and depth of feeling one could almost be listening to a Schubert Mass. Here again as in his instrumental works, listeners should expect the unexpected."

I Penitenti al Sepolcro del Redentore ("The Penitents at the Tomb of the Redeemer") is an oratorio composed by Zelenka in 1736. The text involves King David, Mary Magdalene, and St. Peter discussing Christ. The work includes an introductory sinfonia, a closing chorus, and a series of recitatives and large scale da capo arias (two a piece for David and Mary Magdalene). Musically, the piece exemplifies Zelenka's charming, quirky creativity, with rich rythmic variety and spicy harmony.

Collegium 1704, led by Vaclav Luks, is probably the top ensemble recording Zelenka today. The performers' love for and commitment to Zelenka shines in this performance, which is well sung and well played all around. Their style is as vibrant and fresh as Zelenka's music.

If you already know Zelenka, you won't want to miss this recording. If you enjoy baroque sacred music, you will thoroughly charmed by this addition to your collection. Highly recommended.

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