Jan Dismas Zelenka - Barbara dira effera! - ZWV 164 - Adam Viktora, Inégal

Orchestra - Essemble Inégal. Conductor - Adam Viktora Soloist: Kai Wessel (Alto counter-tenor) Composed: c.1730s. Recorded: 2011 A virtuosic aria Motet for the Resurrection, composed by Jan Dismas Zelenka at some unkown point during the 1730s. Virtuosic elements include the bassoon obbligato which bounces throughout, and the alto which likely would have been performed by one of Dresden's castrati operatic singers. The unusual nature of this piece has led to it being described as a 'caricature, albeit dazzling, of the surface features of Zelenka's style,' maybe not even written by the master himself, but by a pupil. Nevertheless it has great charm, and illustrates how talented the Dresden Court Orchestra and castrato voice must have been. It is also a suitably fiery and energetic piece given such stark lyrics. ---------- Aria- Barbara dira effera Hebreae gentis rabies, quae lignum sacrum crucibus latronum confudisti! Hispida, saeva, horrida carnificum barbaries pignus dulce fossoribus anhelis invidisti! Mens metus plena fluctuat, quod lignum Redemptoris, cor inquietum dubitat quae crux salvatoris. Recitativo - Vicit Leo de Tribu Juda. Cede, cede! Mors horrida, mors cruda Debellata nunc gemit tua barbaries infernus ipse tremit Frenatur rabies, Vicit Leo de tribu Juda. Cede, cede! Mors horrida, mors cruda! Homo redempte gaude et ad tantos triumphos Christo victori applaude. Alleluja. ---------- Barbarous, cruel and savage (Was) the ferocity of the Jewish people Who confounded the holy rood With the crosses of the thieves Awful was the barbarity of the executioners Which begrudged the sweet pledge To the yearning seekers, awful it was, wild and monstrous The fear-filled mind hesitates "Which is the rood of the Redeemer?" The uneasy heart is in doubt "Which is the Cross of the Saviour?" The Lion of the tribe of Judah has vanquished. Yield, yield! Awful death, cruel death, Your barbarity has been overcome and now lies groaning. Weak man himself roars. Ferocity has been tamed and the Lion vanquished. Man, rejoice in the Redeemer, Vicotry applaud Christ for all His many triumphs Alleluia. Background Painting: Rembrandt - Balaam's Ass - 1626