JAN DISMAS ZELENKA (1679-1745): Capriccii No. 1 in D, No. 2 in G, No. 3 in F, No. 4 in A, ZWV 182-5 and No. 5 in G, ZWV 190.

Description: This is the only complete recording of these remarkable Capricii, four of which date from 1717-18 and the fifth (Zelenka's last orchestral compositon) from 1729. Written for post-hunt parties at the Vienna digs of the Dresden Elector, they are notorious for having the most difficult horn parts in the entire baroque period. Needless to say, you must hear these on period instruments, as here, performed by this Washington DC-based orchestra. The Bach Sinfonia; Daniel Abraham.