Sanctus et Agnus Dei/Stabat Mater – CD

This recording by Collegium 1704 explores the little-known sacred music of three major Czech Baroque composers: Jan Dismas Zelenka, Frantiek Ignc Antonn Tma and their largely forgotten contemporary J. G. Orschler. All three studied in Vienna with imperial Kapellmeister Johann Joseph Fux and maintained important connections with Prague, where their music was performed and highly valued. Their expertly crafted counterpoint continues the Baroque tradition known as stile antico. Zelenkas works in this style represent a lesser-known but fascinating part of his output, while Tmas Stabat Mater demonstrates how the old craft was transformed into the emerging pre-Classical style. The recording includes several modern premieres and offers an insight into a neglected area of Czech Baroque music.