world premiere recording of the oratorio from 1730

Ensemble Inégal, directed by Adam Viktora
 

Rediscovering unjustly forgotten composers and their music is a fine experience and adventure at the same time, and this CD offers music-lovers both. J. J. I. Brentner (1689 - 1742) was one of the most successful Czech composers of his time (measured by the number of compositions published in print). Thanks to missionaries, his music got as far as South America only to lapse into total oblivion after his death for more than a quarter of a millennium. The demands that his beautiful melodies place on performers gives one an idea of how accomplished the instrumentalists and singers of his time must have been. Our CD (world recording premiere) was made using period musical instruments in Baroque surroundings by the group Ensemble Inégal specializing, in particular, in historically enlightened interpretation of 17th- and 18-th century music. Please, accept our invitation to the realm of lovely sounds and joy of discovering the as yet unknown.

Gabriela Viktorová (Eibenová) – soprano, Markéta Cukrová – alto, Jaroslav Březina – tenor, Mathias Gerchen – bass
Dvorák´s Mass in D-major, better known in its instrumentation for orchestra, is presented in this recording in its original version featuring a small mixed choir and romantic organ and, what is more, played in the Lužany chateaux chapel, for which it was composed and where it was also performed for the first time. The listener´s experience is enhanced by the period-inspired presentation as developed by conductor and organist Adam Viktora, as well as by the natural vocal performance of all members of the Ensemble Inégal. In addition, the CD carries spiritual songs and organ compositions.

Václav Kunt – flute, Monika Knoblochová – harpsichord, Petr Hejný - cello

The composer is another member of the group of oustanding Czech musicians who were active all over 18th century Europe, who helped to develop a new style of music - classicism - and who later fell into oblivion. A contemporary of J.V.Stamic and F.Benda, Jiří Čart served at the court of Berlin together with F.E.Bach, then as a violinist of the Mannheim orchestra and finally, after Stamic´s death, as its conductor. In his Sonatas for Flute, Čart remains half way between the style of Baroque and coming classicism. This is the first ever recording of the work.

A complete recording of works for the harp by Petr Eben (1929 - 2007), the best known contemporary Czech composer. The harp is presented here as a solo instrument, as an equal partner to other chamber instruments, and as one assigned the role of accompaniment. The recording was made in 1999 by harpist Kateřina Englichová, holder of many prestigious international awards.
Kateřina Englichová – harp, Jana Tetourová – mezzosoprano