Jan Zach (1699-1773); BOH   

After arriving in Prague in 1724, Jan Zach initiated studies with Bohuslav Cernohorsky and accepted several musical posts, including those as violinist at St. Gallus and at St. Martin and then those as organist at St. Martin, at the monastic church of the Merciful Brethren, and at the Minorite chapel of St. Ann. Following various travels, he was appointed Kapellmeister at the court of the Prince-Elector of Mainz. His compositions, many of which were rhythmically influenced by Czech dances, include masses, requiems, arias, Misereres, vespers, hymns, sinfonias, partitas, sonatas, preludes, fugues, and concertos. He also worked as a music teacher at the Jesuit school in Munich and spent the majority of his later years traveling throughout Europe. Zach's compositions are almost exclusively recorded under the Arte Nova label, especially his vocal and choral works. His Miserere in C minor and his Offertorium, Terra tremit in C were both recorded in the 1980s, while his Missa Solemnis in D and Stabat Mater in D minor were recorded in 1995 and 1997, respectively.

© Meredith Gailey, All Music Guide

Below are works by J.Zach that every music lover should explore: