In this finely recorded volume from Hyperion's "Bach's Contemporaries" series, we're treated to sacred works that show Zelenka at both his most exquisitely functional (the Litaniae) and most engaging and purely beautiful (Regina coeli and Salve Regina). The extended texts and repetitive phrases of the litany can be a trial of sorts for congregants, let alone for a composer seeking to set them in a reasonably interesting or compelling manner. Zelenka solves this problem by dividing the texts into separate movements, with highly varied vocal and instrumental treatments of each--a contrapuntal, full-chorus-and-orchestra setting here (Kyrie II), a duet with light accompaniment there (the Pater de coelis). The following choral Praecelsum et admirabile is forward-looking in its declamatory, homophonic style, but also for its astonishingly bold (and very un-Bach-like) harmonic statements.

Throughout this program, whose works cover a period of about six years, we easily can appreciate Zelenka's keen sense of color--scoring for parts such as muted oboes, chalumeau, muted strings--and his affecting way with fitting text to texture and particular groups of instruments. Highlights include the abovementioned Pater de coelis duet, worthy of a place alongside one of Bach's more inspired creations, the beautiful little choral Agnus Dei that concludes the Litaniae, and the Regina coeli and Salve Regina, which feature soloists Carolyn Sampson, Rebecca Outram, and Robin Blaze. All of the soloists deserve special mention for sensitive performances that are appropriately expressive and that add essential individual color, from Sampson's unusually dark-toned soprano and Blaze's gorgeously liquid and mellifluous countertenor to Peter Harvey's warm, rich bass. Chorus and orchestra are solid and confident, performing like the veteran period stylists they are. If you're not familiar with Zelenka--and especially if you love Bach--you must get to know this wonderful and very deserving composer. (For other Zelenka recordings, type Q3763, Q3767, and Q3768 in Search Reviews.)