Tomáš Šelc, Collegium Marianum, Jana Semerádová
Lacrimae | Jan Dismas Zelenka

The album Lacrimae presents three liturgical works for bass, composed in the setting of the Dresden court band between 1722 and 1729. The first of Jeremiah's Lamentations (1722) creates an oppressive atmosphere for the liturgy of the dark hours. The dignified praise of the Lord in the psalm Confitebor tibi Domine (1729) and the plaintive cry from the valley of tears in the Marian antiphon Salve Regina (1724) resound with full urgency in Schelc's velvet-tinged voice.

"It was Tomáš Šelc and his rendition of Zelenka that completely captivated me a few years ago and was the birth of the idea to record these very personal compositions in his unique performance. When you hear Tomáš's interpretation of Zelenka's Salve Regina, Lamentations and Confitebor, his truthful and heartfelt singing, you get the feeling that he must have lived at that time, that he may have even met Jan Dismas, and through his singing and declamation he conveys his message to us."
Jana Semerádová, artistic director

Giuseppe Tartini's flute concerto on this album reminds us that alongside the dark depths there are comforting and kindly heights. Jana Semerádová's soft and colourful flute tone dispels the clouds and brightens faces, bringing a lightness of being to the listener.

"Tartini played his concerto on the choir during the Mass, to the greater honour and glory of God; and like Tomáš Šelc in Zelenka, I would like to express in this concerto, which is one of my most beloved, the inner feelings, the tearful but also joyful cry," remarked Jana Semerádová.

Recordings made in cooperation with the St.Wenceslas Music Festival will be released on CD and in digital formats MP3, FLAC and Hi-Res on Friday 28 March 2025 on Supraphon.