Story
In March 1682, the Kroměříž bishop's trumpeter and bandleader Pavel Josef Vejvanovský (1639–1693) completed a unique mass composed for the Solemnity of the Annunciation (March 25). At that time, he was already an experienced, skilled and artistic composer, familiar with the latest musical trends of contemporary European music. Proof of this is his Missa Martialis composed for 2 clarines, 2 violins, violas, trombones, 5 singers, choir and basso continuo, which will be heard in its modern premiere.
A slightly older colleague of Vejvanovský was Adam Václav Michna (1600 – 1676). It is somewhat clear from contemporary sources that the two composers must have known each other, although we will probably never know whether they knew each other personally. Michn's legacy as a composer is currently known mainly thanks to his spiritual songs that are still sung today (e.g. Chtíc aby spal). In this context, Michna (who worked all his life in Jindřichov Hradec) appears as a distinctive local author who, compared to Vejvanovský, is based much more on folk culture and the local spiritual song tradition. His four-part Czech songs, reflecting the Feast of the Annunciation, occupying an imaginary proprium in our Mass program, are a beautiful example of two different composer personalities, moving in the same time in the same territory.
Program:
Pavel Josef Vejvanovský (1639–1693):
Sonata à 4 in B minor
Missa Martialis
Adam Michna from Otradovice (1600–1676):
Songs for the Feast of the Annunciation
1. The Archangel's Message or the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary (Czech M. music 1647)
2. Archangel Ave, Second song about the Annunciation of P. Mary (Czech M. music 1647)
3. On the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Christmas Music 1661)
4. Another on the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Christmas Music 1661)
5. Song for Communion - Michna
Cast:
Societas Incognitorum
Artistic director: Eduard Tomaštík
Soloists:
Soprano: Pavla Radostová, Kateřina Šujanová
Alt: Jan Mikusek
Tenor: Ondřej Múčka
Bass: Jiří Miroslav Procházka
