Reviews

Zelenka – a continuous discovery

On Sunday 3rd June, Ensemble Inégal opened in the Prague Church of Our Lady under Chains

the now 6th season of its concert series “Czech Baroque Music – Discoveries & Surprises”.

It was apparent from the opening motet for solo tenor Gaude Laetare (ZWV 168), sounding

for the first time since its rediscovery, that in the case of this Bohemian composer of the high

baroque, there is plenty to be discovered. It was followed by the extensive one-hour latin

Missa Sanctimissae Trinitatis (ZWV 17), featuring elaborate choir fugues and more concise

passages, with sudden dynamic, expressive and tempo contrasts, from which it is obvious

how well Zelenka mastered the art of counterpoint, developing it to a masterful degree with

daring and rich harmonies and with rhythmic structures. The impact of Zelenka’s music in

combination with the unique space (and acoustics) of the Church of the Maltese Johannites

was stunning. Zelenka’s music is intentionally spiritual, leading to contemplation and a

concentration on the quest for the meaning of life – at the same time however it interprets

the joyful message of the gospel. Zelenka absorbed the musical incentives of his time with

unprecedented originality and let’s not forget, that after Palacky also Smetana did an effort

to create awareness his musical legacy. … Thanks to an outstanding performance, Ensemble

Inégal under the leadership of Adam Viktora brought to the many dozens of listeners in the

completely filled church a spiritual Zelenka experience of great strength and quality. Even if

nowadays, we are not always able to recognize the ingenious symbolism of baroque musical-

rhetoric forms, which listeners in those days probably were able to perceive and appreciate,

we do have in Zelenka a treasure-trove that can stand up to the secret golden treasure of the

templars.

Jan Dismas Zelenka – Mass to the Glory of the Holy Trinity (Missa Sanctissimae Trinitatis)

ZWV 17, Gaude laetare ZWV 168 - contemporary world-premiere, Ensemble Inégal,

Adam Viktora – conductor, Sunday 3rd June, 19.30h, Church of Our Lady under Chains,

Lázeňská street, Prague 1– Kampa, part and opening concert of the concert series

“Czech Baroque Music – Discoveries & Surprises”.

Opera plus - Helena Havlíková

To the glory of the Holy Trinity and to the glory of Music itself

Ensemble Inégal opened this year’s Concentus Moraviae Festival wonderfully not only by

playing so well the extensive Mass to the Glory of the Holy Trinity by Jan Dismas Zelenka

… it also dealt with surroundings of the church without compromises … The solid and yet

transparent sound of the orchestra and choir presented itself immediately in the opening Kyrie

Eleison … For the Gloria, which carries no tempo indication, Adam Viktora chose an even

faster tempo than the surrounding vivace parts, the opening of the second part of the mass

simply burst with energy … Beautifully performed was the soprano solo Quoniam tu solus

sanctus, Gabriela Eibenova’s exemplary legato did not go at the cost of a clear articulation of

the ornamentations, it was for me one of the summits of the entire mass … The Gloria was

crowned by an impeccably performed fugue with notes streaming like pearls … I should still

mention, that the shorter soprano solo entries within the choir parts, performed by Stanislava

Mihalcová, were at a very high level as well. The quality of individual voices was really

high and very balanced … The almost “swinging” opening of the Credo was followed by

the slower Et incarnatus est. In the trio Et unam sanctam, except for the beautifully sung

ensemble, the theorbo excelled in its tender accompaniment … The Sanctus was concluded

by an effective performance of Pleni sunt caeli – Osanna in excelsis … In the Benedictus,

the obligato traverso flutes were a perfect match to the cantabile soprano part. The same goes

for the Agnus Dei, a duet between the tenor (Václav Čížek) and bass (Lisandro Abadie) with

obligato chalumeau … The Dona Nobis Pacem brilliantly concluded the stirring performance

of this exceptional sacred work.

Jan Dismas Zelenka – Mass to the Glory of the Holy Trinity (Missa Sanctissimae Trinitatis)

ZWV 17. Ensemble Inégal, Adam Viktora – conductor, 2nd June 2012, Church of St. James,

Boskovice, part and opening concert of the Concentus Moraviae International Music Festival.

Boris Klepal

Aschaffenburger Bachtage – “Straight from Baroque into Present”

So eloquently, passionately and with such unbridled joy and enthusiasm we can hear the

oeuvre of Vivaldi and Bach rarely indeed … The performance of the internationally renowned

Ensemble Inégal on Saturday evening literally propelled in a most direct way the played

works from the Baroque into the Present …

With Adam Viktora as its leader and violinists Florian Deuter and Helena Zemanova, and the

soprano Gabriela Eibenová … the concert was a display of perfect ensemble work, treating

the audience from the very beginning on an intensely dynamic and impressive experience. No

fatigue whatsoever in the repeats with Vivaldi, but instead an almost intensifying ecstasy, and

the Bach cantata … was celebrated with a true wealth of musicianship … Gabriela Eibenová

with her marvellous voice filled the recitative with dramatic content, in the aria she explored

each phrase, and handled with ease the long coloraturas and brilliant high notes.

Anneliese Euler

Dalheimer Musiksommer – “Baroque Music by the very best”

Ensemble Inégal – full of temperament and perfect ensemble playing

Lichtenau-Dalheim – Yes, exactly as Ensemble Inégal performed on Saturday in the

Monastery Church of Dalheim, that is how baroque music should sound: full of energy and

temperament, perfect in togetherness and rich in detail. In short, there was nothing left to wish

for.

There is nothing new to the fact, that Czechs have musicianship in their blood. However,

thanks to its obvious enjoyment in their playing and the superb performances of its members,

our musical ensemble from Prague is an example for all others …

The evening’s summit was the outstanding soprano Gabriela Eibenová with her gorgeous, full

and supple voice … with never-ending coloraturas – the Dalheim public would certainly be

glad to welcome this ensemble once more.

Christl Rick

CD J. D. Zelenka – Il Diamante

The period-instrument Ensemble Inégal under its director Adam Viktora is superb … on this recording Venus is … the impeccably stylish and sweet-voiced soprano Gabriela Eibenová. The effect of her refined rendition of the aria, coming after the persistent Zelenkian restlessness and excitement of the preceding hour and a quarter of music, is overwhelming… this recording represents historically informed performance of Baroque theatrical music of the highest order and fully deserves an IRR Outstanding rating.

International Record Review - Christopher Price

Prelude Classical Music Awards 2010

It is a beautiful work in an exemplary beautiful interpretation.

Prelude, Kees Koudstaal

CD J. D. Zelenka - Il Diamante

I must say that I am stunned, surprised and overwhelmed by this work… The opening Sinfonia is perhaps the best orchestral number Zelenka wrote…. My favourite aria has to be Terra's pulsating first aria which Hana Blazikova delivers superbly, and Venere's only aria which Gabriela Eibenova sings heavenly. I was over the moon when I heard her sing this in Prague… Kai Wessel is fabulous in his delightful aria with his great experience and musicality showing.

Adam Viktora and his forces perform this difficult piece admirably. The tempos are brisk and true to Zelenka's autograph. The singers are truly terrific. Every section of the orchestra does a fantastic job but I must praise especially the basso continuo group and its organic and lively sound, and for the rhythmical flexibility which is the heartbeat of the work. In short; this is how I imagine the sound of the famous Dresden orchestra and that is really the highest praise I can give.

Zelenka's researcher - Jóhannes Ágústsson

Ensemble Inégal – Czech star on European sky of early music

Muzyka21

CD Vivaldi in Bohemia

This is a wonderful recording of some of the Red Priest’s most popular early church pieces. Adam Viktora and his fine ensembles impressed recently in their recording of Zelenka’s Missa Purificationis Beatae Virginis Mariae, and this recording will surely enhance the reputation of all concerned.

Early Music Review - Brian Clark

Ensemble Inégal is a very fine group indeed. The soloists, especially sopranos Gabriela Eibenová and Hana Blažíková, sing beautifully and the choral forces bring power and clarity to every passage. The instrumentalists are also very good and conductor Adam Viktora leads a stylish and compelling performance.

Craig Zeichner, Goldberg Magazine

Absolute discovery!

CD J. D. Zelenka: Il serpente di bronzo – The bronze snake

It is very rare that a recording immediately evokes so much pure joy, and fully satisfies a lover of art with its musical “rightness” and beautiful melodies. It is great how much understanding Zelenka – this great Czech – was accorded in connection with the production of this charming recording, the depth of which matches its beauty. This great success is due above all to the interpretation of this group under the direction of Adam Viktora, who has managed to paint the wild and lonely places of Zelenka’s unique work in an excellent way with typical Czech flavour…. An absolute discovery!

Olivier Rouviere, Diapason

… Oratorio Il serpente opens in electrifying manner with a chorus of angry Israelites; the music seethes with a demonic energy and drive... Adam Viktora inspires singing and playing of such breathtaking fervor that the very lives of the singers and players seem to depend on it. As already suggested, this performance of this remarkable oratorio fully lives up to the quality of the work, driven as it is by the passionate conviction of Viktora’s direction... There are people, particularly those whose blinkered vision extends little further than the 19th century, who try to tell us there are no hidden masterpieces remaining to be rediscovered. Il serpente di bronzo is one work that proves them to be utterly, spectacularly wrong.

Brian Robins, Fanfare, USA

Ensemble Inégal plays with spirit and commitment, vitality and elegance ... It is a spectacular recording of music that no doubt touched the souls of those who heard it in Zelenka’s time, as it did mine.

Michael Carter, Fanfare, USA

This is a very fine recording of a wonderful piece... Here, the singing (both solo and choral) is excellent and the instrumental playing is first rate. I hope it will not be long until we hear more from Ensemble Inégal and Adam Viktora.

Brian Clark, Early Music Review, UK

The performance of the Czech Ensemble Inégal is truly remarkable, and Viktora’s conducting is in turn staggeringly exciting and sensitive... A major discovery.

Olivier Rouviére, Goldberg

Ensemble Inégal led by Adam Viktora obviously proves that authentic interpretation of old music of extraordinary quality has already become standard in the Czech Republic.

Johannes Killyen, Das Orchester, Germany

The audience had an opportunity to meet Gabriela Eibenova and her original bright, soft and fresh voice. She fulfilled their expectations with masterful technique and showed her predilection for baroque music. She masters the whole range of baroque dramatic expressions, sometimes flirtatious with elegant cadence and endless coloratura, at other times highly dramatic, devoted and full of excitement without exaggeration. The fascinated audience appreciated the honesty of her message, which was never completely free of passion. In Vivaldi’s cantata with the impressive name Amor hai vinto, which means “Love, you have won”, Eibenová definitely won over the audience.

Kieler Nachrichten, Werner Bodendorff

… the performances are superior and the recording is more resonant than on the Supraphon CD. This wonderful disc demonstrates what a few inspired musicians can do and that a nearly unknown minor label can outdo all the world’s majors, at least for an hour.

FANFARE, USA, James H. North

But the extraordinary success has also been due to the perfomers. All five carefully selected soloists accurately correspond with today’s conceptions of live baroque singing. The pure, clear soprano voice of Gabriela Eibenová shone, and at the same time blended beautifully with the direct and clear alto voice of the Slovakian vocalist Petra Noskaiová. Their common aria (duo) was one of the most beautiful parts of the whole oratorio. The German vocalist Kai Wessel has a quite incredible alto voice. The tenor part was excellently performed by Jaroslav Březina, who is well versed in the field of baroque music and has proven to be a great vocalist many times over. The story of the oratorio, based on the fourth Book of Moses (Nu 21, 4 – 9), requires a performance of God, which would be inconceivable at the time. The role of God was assigned by Zelenka to the bass vocal – performed here by the outstanding Dutch vocalist, teacher and baroque vocal music expert Peter Kooij. Also, the sound of the orchestra (with an international cast) was solid and balanced, and thoroughly elaborate in detail with careful attention to dynamics. The work was conscienciously prepared and conducted by the spiritual father of this project, Adam Viktora.

Hudební rozhledy 3/2006, Petr Pokorný, review of the FOK Cycle (www.fok.cz)

...Such richness in forms and colors is applied perfectly in the interpretation conceived by Adam Viktora. ... At the same time, the impressive musical performances of Ensemble Inégal are of the highest level. The most charming of all are the musical dialogues between the fresh young soprano voice of Gabriela Eibenová and the correspondingly clear and flexible-sounding violin of Helena Zemanová in the aria “Desidero te” from op. 1. Everything sounds so beautifully elegant and moving in the pleasant acoustics of the Nebílovy chateau ... J. J. I. Brentner and Ensemble Inégal under Adam Viktora cannot be kept a secret any more.

CONCERTO Das Magazin für Alte Musik

Best CD of the month, Recommended by editors, Bernd Heider

… The performances are simply stunningly good, with many very fine young Czech instrumentalists and singers. Miss Eibenova is wonderful, with a clear, articulate and beautiful voice. Mark the name carefully!

DVOŘÁK SOCIETY NEWSLETTER No 65, Marc Todd

… The singing is excellent, with the star soprano Gabriela Eibenová; voices and instruments blend beautifully … Ensemble Inégal is a very talented bunch!

Early Music Review – 104

“Ensemble Inégal is an artistic group founded by the organist Adam Viktora. During the years it has existed, it has become known by music enthusiasts as a group with very convincing interpretation, mainly of old music. Their approach is not rigorously scientific. They are very well aware of the fact that music is not a structure with a plan, but a living organism, dynamic and waiting for the players to complete it so that the message it is intended to convey would be vivid and reach those who listen. Their music conception is so natural that you never start thinking about looking for any criteria that you could classify their interpretation from. You just let yourself flow with the beauty of the music and put your full trust in the musicians”.

Lukáš Petřvalský

… they are a dedicated and conscientious ensemble whose significant talents have been brought to bear on rare repertoire, increasing their stock and the weight of Brentner’s reputation as well. Although there are significant contributions from all of the soloists and an exceptional choir, I must single out soprano Gabriela Eibenová—whose crystalline instrument is featured in many of the tracks on this release. She emotes beautifully and is possessed of the agility required to negotiate the intricacies of Brentner’s demanding coloratura writing. She takes it all in her stride; not a note is forced or a passage slighted. Particular mention must also be made of the magnificent violin playing of Helena Zemanová, whose light touch is a perfect match for Eibenová’s clarity.

FANFARE, USA, Michael Carter

This CD presents to the general public a new ensemble with Czech and foreign artists... “The interpretation strives after naturalness and simplicity of vocal expression”. These words give an accurate picture as to the approach of all the ensemble members to Dvořák’s music... It is a pleasant surprise to have a chance to hear the original version with its sober sound, sung with clear, straight vocals and accompanied by organ... it is a composition of deep emotions and typical of Dvořák’s fervour. Versatile professional excellence and non-pompous performance only emphasise the nature of this Mass …. on the reviewed track, recorded in Lužanská chapel, you can hear the clear pleasing soprano of Gabriela Eibenová, with no burden of operatic style... Adam Viktora plays the organ in Lužanská chapel with elaborate modesty and elegance. This all put together makes a beautiful CD, giving the listeners an opportunity to hear Dvořák’s music from quite a different angle... This recording will delight not only admirers of Dvořák’s music, but everyone who likes human voices.

HUDEBNÍ ROZHLEDY, Petr Pokorný

The domestic market introduces a fresh recording dedicated to the work of Jan Josef Ignác Brentner (1689-1742), which should certainly not be missed by any fan of live, sensual and yet spiritual music …. Ensemble Inégal led by Adam Viktora really excelled with Brentner’s compositions. The demanding violin parts are in fact brilliant, continuo tractable and colorful, and this also applies to the vocalists – such as beautiful tones of the men’s tercet in Perfica gressus or the quartet in O Jesu mein. The vividness of expression mainly derives from phrasing and dynamics, both of which are carefully and sensitively worked with here…. The most prominent soloist is the soprano Gabriela Eibenová, an experienced performer in (amongst other things) the field of old music. Her airy sparkling soprano voice excellently masters coloratura spaces as well as tender cantilenas, but she is also able to make the part special and to give it her individual seal; the most beautiful is probably her motet Quam suavis amor... Jaroslav Březina is also completely captivating in the solo Qui posuit from Benedicite gentes…. The contents and dramaturgy of the CD and the excellent performance of the artists involved deserve the highest prizes...

HARMONIE, Marc Niubo

...the town of Dobřany celebrated its 760th anniversary with an excellent recording of compositions by Jan Josef Ignác Brentner... Ensemble Inégal present themselves as a vocal-instrumental group specializing in authentic interpretation of music from the 17th to the 20th century. Its scope is remarkable ... all members of the group sing and play baroque music in a highly professional way and with full devotion... Most solos on the recording are performed by the sparkling, crystal-clear soprano Gabriela Eibenová. Her voice is not only brilliant, but also human and warm, and so the overall impression is utterly captivating. The other vocalists are also excellent – soprano Eva Rukavičková, altos Hasan El Dunia and Marta Fadljevičová, tenors Jaroslav Březina and Martin Prokeš, and basses Matthias Gerchen and Marián Krejčík. Likewise, the instrumentalists give an outstanding performance: for example, the violinist Helena Zemanová and her brilliant solos, to name just one. Of course, the main contribution to the success and to bringing Brentner’s little-known music to life was made by the leader of the group Adam Viktora ... the recording and the accompanying booklet both meet the highest quality criteria. And above all, it is such beautiful music!

HUDEBNÍ ROZHLEDY, Petr Pokorný