Jan Hugo Vorisek: Missa solemnis & Vaclav Jan Krtitel Tomásek: Messa con Graduale et Offertorio

Recorded live in the Church of the Virgin Mary under the Chain, Prague, October 1 and 5, 2009.

In a church near Charles Bridge in Prague, the Florea ensemble performed choral works by Bohemians Jan Václav Hugo Vorisek and Václav Jan Krtitel Tomasek for the first time in modern times. The works enjoyed great popularity after they were written in the 19th century, not least because of their combination of contrapuntal elements and Romantic harmony. The choruses take center stage, soloistic passages are always embedded in choral sections.

Released in co-production with Czech Radio, live In October 2009 in a church near 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. Vorisek, this CD brings his complete sacred oeuvre. In addition to the festive Mass in B major, which he himself called a musical oblation, Vorisek 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 Vorisek’s teacher, V. J. K. Tomasek, which was performed in the 19th century by many church choirs throughout the Austrian Empire and in the territory of today’s Germany. Just like in the case of Vorisek – 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.