Concerto Köln / Bohemian Rhapsody - NOSPR

In the 18th century, Czech composers attained a high standing at courts throughout Europe, especially in the lands now forming Germany and Austria. Jan Dismas Zelenka and František Ignác Tůma were educated in Prague, at the Jesuit Klementinum, and later with J.J. Fux in Vienna, to become top-class composers of religious music. Zelenka worked at the Dresden court and his sacred music works had influence on those by Johann Sebastian Bach. 25 years Zelenka’s junior, Tůma composed at Viennese courts and his religious works found J. Haydn’s and W.A. Mozart’s admiration. Zelenka’s Overture à 7 Concertanti in F major (1723) might be compared to J.S. Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 1 in C major (c. 1717–1723): both open with a typically French overture to be followed by characteristic dance movements. Tůma’s Sinfonia in B major(c. 1750) is typically Italian, just like J.S. Bach’s Violin Concerto in D minor (ok. 1730–1734), composed during the latter’s stay at the Köthen court. While Bach’s Suite No. 1 in C major resonates with J.B. Lully’s French elegance of composition, the emphasis in the Concerto in D minor is placed on the unlimited energy of numerous figurations and expressive solo violin cantilenas.

Wojciech Stępień