[PDF] Jan Dismas ZELENKA - Ensemble Vocal Orphée - Automatisation

Who was Jan Dismas Zelenka?

Jan Dismas Zelenka (16 October 1679 – 23 December 1745), baptised Jan Lukáš Zelenka was a Czech composer and musician of the Baroque period. His music is admired for its harmonic inventiveness and mastery of counterpoint . Zelenka was raised in Central Bohemia, educated in Prague and Vienna, and spent his professional life in Dresden.

What kind of music did Johannes Zelenka write?

Zelenka wrote instrumental music (including orchestral suites and chamber sonatas), a great amount of vocal music in various forms, and also religious music for the “stage” (oratorios). During Zelenka's final years, much of his music was inspired by Italian opera, which became fashionable in Dresden about fifteen years before he died.

Who recommended Johann Zelenka for the Dresden Hofkapelle (court orchestra)?

It is possible that Count Johann Hubert von Hartig recommended Zelenka for the Dresden Hofkapelle (court orchestra) as a double bass player. Zelenka entered the service of the Dresden court with a salary of 300 thalers in 1710/1711.

Was Zelenka in competition with Hasse for the Kapellmeister position?

Zelenka was one of those who petitioned. It was only natural for the composer to wish to attain official recognition from the newly elected Polish king. The impression has often been given in the literature that Zelenka was in direct competition with Hasse for the Kapellmeister position. Nothing is more far from the truth.