Voříšek: Missa in B-Flat Major - Tomášek: Messa con Graduale et Offertorio

J. V. H. Voříšek - Missa Solemnis in B, Op. 24 (1825),
Offertoria* (Mentis oppressae, Quoniam Iniquitatem), Graduale Benedictus es (1824)*
V. J. K. Tomášek - Messa con Graduale et Offertorio, Op. 46 (1813)*

Musica Florea, conductor: Marek Štryncl

New recording / * World premiere

Released in co-production with Czech Radio, live

In October 2009 in a church nearby the Charles Bridge the ensemble Musica Florea gave the modern premiere of sacred compositions by two composers whose creation presaged the advent of Romanticism. In the case of the better known of them, J. V. H. Voříšek, this CD brings his complete sacred oeuvre. In addition to the festive Mass in B major, which he himself called a musical oblation, Voříšek set two Offertories and a Gradual. His advanced contrapuntal thinking weds with the phraseology and harmonic techniques of Romanticism. Another revelation for the listeners will undoubtedly be the Mass created by Voříšek's teacher, V. J. K. Tomášek, which was performed in the 19th centuryby many church choirs throughout the Austrian Empire and in the territory of today's Germany. Just like in the case of Voříšek - no more independent arias; all soli are an elaborate part of the chorus and orchestra.

Following their provocative recording of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos (Supraphon SU 3942-2), on this CD too Musica Florea present works in a historically knowledgeable interpretation, replete with erudition, vivacity and their inherent sensibility.