Lacrimae / Jan Dismas Zelenka

Jan Dismas Zelenka (1679–1745) – Lamentation I for Holy Wednesday for bass, two oboes, strings, and basso continuo (ZWV 53). Confitebor tibi Domine for bass, strings, and basso continuo (ZWV 71). Salve Regina* for bass, two oboes, strings, and basso continuo (ZWV 139). Giuseppe Tartini (1692–1770) – Flute Concerto in G major (Gimo 293).

Tomáš Šelc – bass. Collegium Marianum. Jana Semerádová – flute, artistic director

Tomáš Šelc devotes himself to the cantata and oratorio literature of the 18th through the 20th centuries, romantic lieder, and opera, collaborating with outstanding orchestras, ensembles, and conductors (Bamberger Symphoniker, Budapest Festival Orchestra, Orchestre National des Pays de la Loire, Collegium 1704, Collegium Vocale Gent, Taverner Consort etc.). It is, however, in the works of Jan Dismas Zelenka and of J. S. Bach that he seems to be most at home. Therefore, the choice of Zelenka for his Supraphon debut was clear, as was his collaboration with the renowned ensemble Collegium Marianum. The album presents three of Zelenka’s great liturgical works for bass, composed in the milieu of the Dresden court ensemble within a span of seven years. The masterfully invoked atmosphere of gloom of the first Lamentation of Jeremiah (1722) for the Tenebrae liturgy, dignified praise of the Lord in the psalm Confitebor tibi Domine (1729), and pleading cries from this world’s vale of tears in the Marian antiphon Salve Regina (1724) are brought to us with all their urgency by the silky colour of Šelc’s voice. The Flute Concerto by Giuseppe Tartini reminds us that it is not only from the depths of darkness that we cry out; heights of gentle consolation are truly within reach as well. Those heights resound here in the tender and colourful tones of the flute played by Jana Semerádová, driving the clouds away and brings smiles to our faces. Depths of darkness and radiant lightness of being are two inseparable dimensions of life on this earth.

The unmistakable bass of Tomáš Šelc at the service of Jan Dismas Zelenka