Missa votiva is the greatest mass by Jan Dismas Zelenka (1679–1745) and at the same time one of his most personal works. The circumstances of the origin of this “thanksgiving mass” are not known, but it is likely related to the author’s longer illness and it could have been composed as a token of gratitude for recovery. With Missa votiva, Zelenka began his last creative period and perhaps he knew that he did not have much time left. Shortly after its release under the Sablé and La Chaise-Dieu festivals, the CD Missa votiva was listed among the ten best-selling recordings in France, it won the Coup de coeur (Heart Ace) award from French TV Mezzo, and received excellent international reviews.
Zig-Zag Territoires, 2008
Jan Dismas Zelenka
Missa votiva ZWV 18
Václav Luks | conductor
Hana Blažíková | soprano
Stanislava Mihalcová | soprano
Tomáš Kořínek | tenor
Tomáš Král | baritone
Collegium 1704 & Collegium Vocale 1704
It is one of the most beautiful and exquisite recordings of baroque sacred music I have ever heard.
Stereoplay, Michael Stegermann
The CD is a discovery that confirms the impressiveness of Zelenka’s personality. This recording is among the best of its kind.
classiquenews.com, Camille Joyeusen
An exciting performance that draws on the exceptional unity between orchestra and choir, orchestra and soloists, united by the will to serve the spirit of the piece… Perfectly channeled energy in the hands of Václav Luks, who beautifully plays with nuances, and dynamic contrasts that are constantly subject to expressive changes. This recording undoubtedly belongs to reference works that should not be missing from any quality discography.
Classica R9, Jean-Noël Coucoureux, 9/2008
