musica Dei donum
CD reviews
Fischer (JCF): Sacred music
Anna Hlavenková, Gabriela Eibenová, soprano; Markus Forster, alto; Jaroslav
Brezina, tenor; Michael Pospíšil, bass
Boni Pueri (Czech Boys' Choir) (Pavel Horák); Musica Florea
Dir: Marek Štryncl
rec: May/July, 2001, Prague, Bazilice Nanebevzetí Panny Marie na Strahove
Supraphon - SU 3534-2 231 (53'20")
Concertus de Sancta Cruce; Missa Inventionis Sanctae Crucis; O Crux
Venerabilis; Offertorium de Dedicatione Templi
This CD is part of a series of recordings devoted to music from the archive
of the Knights of the Cross with Red Star in Prague. This monastic order was
founded in 1237 and concentrated on charity and social work. In the 17th and
18th centuries the headquarters of the order became a major cultural centre
in Prague. After the building of the Church of St Francis (1688) much attention
was paid to the musical elements of the liturgy. The new developments in
European music were reflected in the music performed in that church. The choir
consisted of students, some of which became well-known composers later on,
like Gluck and Jiri Antonin (or Georg) Benda.
The order's music archive consists of a number of important works. Fortunately
it survived the German occupation of Prague in WW II as well as the time of
communist rule. One of the composers whose music is in the archive is Johann
Caspar Ferdinand Fischer (1656-1746). In his time he was much praised and
considered one of Europe's main composers. Today he is mainly known for his
keyboard works, in particular his Ariadne Musica, which contains 20 preludes
and fugues in different keys, which - according to Bach-biographer Forkel -
was a direct inspiration to Johann Sebastian Bach to compose his Well-Tempered
Clavier. But his vocal works were almost unknown until now. As far as I know
this is the first recording of any vocal works by Fischer. It is well documented
that Fischer maintained personal contact with the order, which could explain
why so many of his works are associated with it. The compositions
recorded here are composed for the main feasts of the order: the Invention of
the True Cross, and the Exaltation of the Cross.
One of the characteristics of Fischer's music as performed here is his
eclecticism: he was influenced by Italian and Central European as well as
French music. If he uses trumpets, as in two works on this CD, one thinks of
the music of another Bohemian composer: Biber. But sometimes Fischer writes
in French style: some instrumental sections are very much in Lully-style. And
then he sets music to words in true Italian style.
Nevertheless, one never gets the impression he is just borrowing - his music
isn't a patchwork of different styles. He seems to have absorbed them and used
them to develop his very own musical language. In that respect he is comparable
to Bach.
Having heard his vocal music for the very
first time I must say that I am very impressed with its quality. I
would like to hear much more of it. But we should be thankful for what this CD
has to offer, even if the duration is a little on the short side.
The performance is first class. The orchestra is one of the best period
instrument ensembles of Eastern Europe and its playing here is technically
flawless, energetic and lively, but also sensitive. The same qualities apply to the boys' choir
Boni Pueri, which makes an excellent impression here. It produces a beautiful
sound and it articulates very well. Since solo and tutti passages are strongly
interwoven it is extremely important that the soloists blend well with the
choir. The two adult sopranos (Gabriela Eibenová is only taking part in O crux
venerabilis) are doing exacty that. Ms Hlavenková has an extremely beautiful,
boyish voice. Her contributions are highlights in this recording. So are those
of the (Austrian) male alto Mark Forster, whose ability to switch from falsetto
to chest register without any audible "break" is most admirable. The tenor and
bass are a little less convincing. The tenor is a little rough and unpolished,
and Michael Pospíšil has some problems with the lower notes. But these are
small criticisms in relation to the overall high quality of this recording.
One other negative aspect - apart from the short duration - is the lack of an
English translation of the texts of the vocal works. That's not a problem with
the mass, of course, but the other works are specifically related to the order of
the Knights, and are not generally known.
Johan van Veen (© 2002)