<<  -- 5 --  Tess Crebbin and Sissy von Kotzebue    EARLY MUSIC IN FOCUS

Musically, it is full of interesting highlights: the ceremonial character is underlined by the generous use of trumpets and timpani. The single-reed clarinet (chalumeau) leads through Aria 22. Aria 24 combines two concertino recorders with flutes. Very modern for its time was the use of solo cello in Aria 28, since the cello was just beginning to establish itself as a solo instrument in those days.

The arias contained in the work are dominantly of two types, the aria di bravura, with rich coloratura elements, and the aria parlante, in declamatory vocal style.

Highlights are the two D minor arias, both for soprano, in sarabande rhythm. There are also the rustic and pastoral arias, No 10 and No 24 respectively. That Zelenka was sent to study in Italy is reflected in the Italian elements of the introduction, an orchestral sinfonia, which leads into the adagio for solo oboe. The two duets, Nos 15 and 18, for soprano and countertenor, were both impeccably performed by Nancy Argenta and Flavio Oliver. Oliver's voice in the high notes is strikingly clear, and the two performers were perfectly in tune with each other.

Once Sub olea pacis et palma virtutis had been performed in the presence of the Imperial couple on 12 September 1723, Zelenka, not surprisingly, got no further opportunities to stage the work publicly, but he adapted the text and re-used some of it in his Te Deum of 1724 (ZWV 145). Among the parts he re-used was the above-mentioned aria 15, Jam Calle Secundo, which is a moving segment, made even more brilliant by the performances of two world-class soloists.

There was a fine performance by the boys' choir, Boni Pueri, whose five part final chorus is characterised by richly scored orchestral music combined with traditional fugal writing. As for the text of this final chorus, reference to our time, once more, is somewhat missing: May the East adore you and the West revere you. Live and rule, your Highness. Reign and triumph in Happiness, lend your support to the muses of the Clementum of Prague, show imperial mercy in your majesty.

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