In the first third of the 18th-century, Prague was a major music centre, with Italian operas and concertos, French suites, Italian and German oratorios being performed in the city, and the local churches striving to acquire the latest and most virtuosic compositions. Simon Brixi was one of the most distinguished composers who drew inspiration from this thriving culture, while creating highly inventive music of his own. He mainly wrote liturgical pieces, yet few of them have survived. Brixi gained great acclaim for his musicae navales for the popular Saint John of Nepomuk Festivities in May on the river Vltava. Although he did not publish his scores, Brixi was a renowned composer and his music was frequently performed. Copies of his works were possessed by, among others, Jan Dismas Zelenka. Brixi mastered all the styles and techniques of his time, ranging from rigorous counterpoint to elements of the nascent Galant style. The works are arranged on the album in a one-day liturgical arch, with the morning mass followed by litanies and the canticle Magnificat from vespers, which owing to it's style and high technical requirements may bring to mind Zelenka's music. Made up of superlative soloists, Hipocondria Ensemble bring back to life Simon Brixi's overlooked works. Their recording of the Magnificat is the first made on historical instruments. / Simon Brixi - a composer whose music deserves a second life after three centuries.

Tracklist:

* Missa in D Major
Kyrie
Gloria
Laudamus Te
Gratias Agimus Tibi
Domine Deus
Qui Tollis Peccata Mundi
Quoniam Tu Solus Sanctus
Cum Sancto Spiritu
Credo in Unum Deum
Crucifixus
Et Resurrexit
Et in Spiritum
Sanctus
Osanna in Excelsis
Benedictus
Osanna in Excelsis
Agnus Dei
Arietta de Gloriosissima Resurrectione Domini Nostri Jesu Christi
* Litaniae de Venerabili Sacramento
Kyrie
Hostia Immaculata
Fons Vivus
Praecelsum Venerabile
Sacrata Pax
Oblatum Holocaustum
Cruentum Sacrificium
Altare Seraphinorum
Agnus Dei
Alma Redemptoris Mater
Domine Ad Adjuvandum Me Festing
* Magnificat
Magnificat
Quia Respexit
Ecce Enim Ex Hoc
Quia Fesit
Et Misericordia
Fecit Potentiam
Deposuit Potentes
Esurientes
Sicut Locutus
Gloria

UPC: 099925429324
Label: Supraphon
Release Date: 9.10.21
Format: CD

Brixi / Blazikova / Hipocondria Ensemble - Music From 18th Century Prague (CD)