The Genesis and Evolution of Missa Sanctae Caeciliae (ZWV 1), Jan Dismas Zelenka

Abstract

It is not surprising that the highly devout Dresden court musician Jan Dismas Zelenka (1679-1745) would name his first mass in honour of Saint Cecilia, the Patron Saint of Musicians. Throughout his lifetime this G Major setting would be transformed through at least three or more revisions because Zelenka frequently returned to adapt and improve earlier works, his masses especially. Changes were due not only to Zelenka’s own development as a composer, but also to great developments taking place within the renowned music ensemble of the Dresden court, the Hofkapelle. Amendments reflect changing conditions within this ensemble as the French manner of performance moved towards the musical taste ..