Orchestral Works / Trio Sonatas

Jan Dismas Zelenka (1679-1745) is one of the enigmas of Baroque music. Little is known of his early years, where he studied and who taught him. Born in a village to the south of Prague, he later travelled to Dresden where he joined the court of the Elector of Saxony, Friedrich August I.

Although by then Zelenka had many compositions to his credit, his position at court was a relatively lowly one. As a violone player he was paid only half that of his colleague, the leading double bassist, and famous 'names' such as Veracini and Heinichen - rival composers, received almost treble. Despite this low position, Zelenka produced many works for the court, especially church music. He never achieved promotion or due recognition, and any hope of promotion was scotched when Hasse was made Kapellmeister in 1731. Despite these frustrations, he did manage to travel and in Venice met some of the great musicians of the time including, Vivaldi, Pisendel and Fux.

Zelenka is a true original. His music is quirky, full of Bohemian rhythms, and although his life remains a bit of a mystery, his personality shines out from his delightful music. Maybe a hint as to why his career stalled can be found in the name Hipocondrie for one of the works in this set?!

Pioneering recordings from the 1970s

Heinz Holliger and Barry Tuckwell are among the front-line musicians on these recordings

Performers used editions taken from the original manuscripts in the state library at Dresden

'The music's originality is easily matched by its charm, at times irresistible. Few listeners will be disappointed either by the Capriccios themselves or by the performances which are crisp and invigorating. Zelenka can hold his own comfortably alongside most of his German and Italian contemporaries…Berne Camerata and an impressive line-up of soloists present a vibrant portrait of Zelenka in this fascinating anthology. A thoroughly estimable achievement well documented and pleasingly recorded' Gramophone reviewing the Capriccios

'This is brilliant and quite stylish ensemble playing, which should win over many listeners'
Gramophone reviewing the Trio Sonatas