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Donald Macleod explores how Zelenka navigated difficulties at the royal court with typical political savvy, going on to write music for the chapel's grandest occasion.

With Donald Macleod. Religious tensions in Dresden reach a peak with the horrifically violent murder of a Lutheran archdeacon by a Catholic member of the Elector's protection staff. Court musician Zelenka navigates the difficulties with typical political savvy, and also seizes the chance to write music for the royal chapel's grandest occasion of the year, when the altar was encrusted with 1770 diamonds for Holy Week.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Jan Dismas Zelenka

    Regina Coeli Laetare (ZWV 134)

    Performer: Carolyn Sampson (soprano) Performer: Rebecca Outram (soprano) Performer: Robin Blaze (counter-tenor) Performer: The King’s Consort Performer: Robert King (conductor)

    • HYPERION CDA 67350.
    • 12.
  • Jan Dismas Zelenka

    Laudate Pueri (ZWV 81)

    Performer: Peter Schreier (tenor) Performer: Virtuosi Saxoniae Performer: Ludwig Güttler (director)

    • BERLIN CLASSICS 0011492BC.
  • Jan Dismas Zelenka

    Litaniae de Venerabili Sacramento (ZWV 147)

    Performer: Carolyn Sampson (soprano) Performer: Rebecca Outram (soprano) Performer: Robin Blaze (counter-tenor) Performer: James Gilchrist (tenor) Performer: Michael George (bass) Performer: Choir of the King’s Consort Performer: King’s Consort Performer: Robert King (conductor)

    • HYPERION CDA67350.
  • Jan Dismas Zelenka

    Il Serpente di Bronzo (excerpt)

    Performer: Hana Blažíková (soprano, Egla) Performer: Alex Potter (counter-tenor, Azaria) Performer: Jaroslav Břesina (tenor, Mosè) Performer: Ensemble Inégal Performer: Adam Viktora

    • NIBIRU 0146-2211 t15-end.

Broadcasts

  • Wed 20 Jan 2010 12:00
  • Wed 20 Jan 2010 22:00

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