Zelenka, Jan Dismas (1679–1745)

Bohemian composer. He wrote lightweight orchestral works, trio sonatas, and solemn religious works, including Magnificats in D (1725) and C (1727). He worked at the court of Dresden and became director of church music in 1735. His compositions were rediscovered in the 1970s. He is best known today for his bold and adventurous instrumental music, including Hippocondrie (1723).

Zelenka studied at Prague, was double bass player in the court band at Dresden from 1710, and in 1716 went to Vienna to study under Johann Fux. After this he went to Italy but returned to Dresden to collaborate with Heinichen, whom he succeeded as director of church music in 1735.

Works Sacred and secular music Latin Melodrama de Sancto Wenceslao (1723); oratorios I penitenti al sepolcro (1736), Il serpente di bronzo (1730), and Gesù al Calvario (1735); 20 Masses, motets, psalms, and other church music; Latin cantatas.