Jan Dismas Zelenka: Missa Omnium Sanctorum in a-moll ZWV 21: Chœur Mixte et Ensemble

The Missa Omnium Sanctorum ZWV 21 is Zelenka’s last mass setting. It contains three extended arias (one each for soprano, alto and tenor), concertante choruses and unusually expressive choral fugues. Especially powerful in effect is the through-composed Credo in this mass, with a ritornello that is one of Zelenka’s most beautiful inspirations. The score and parts material of this new edition are based on the corresponding volume of the “Das Erbe deutscher Musik” series, from which Breitkopf & Härtel also took over both its informative preface as well as the critical report. "Zelenka’s artistic personality, his biography and his compositional style are utterly distinctive. His style is highly experimental. Was Zelenka really one of the greatest composers of the 18th century, or only one of the most interesting? I think that he still has several surprises for us." (Schweizerische Musikzeitung) "Zelenka’s Masses - fine specimens of Baroque choral literature, some parts of which are set even more colorfully than in the corresponding compositions by Bach." (Die Welt)