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“When I received a copy of the score of Koželuch’s Coronation Cantata, I felt very privileged that I would be the first conductor to direct it in modern times. This music is not just an occasion piece, it’s pretty clear that Koželuch gave his best to it. Wonderful melodies, heroic choruses, and very inventive recitatives.

Because of the success of this work, he received a key position in the Viennese court. But, and more importantly, he brought a lot of joy to his listeners – centuries ago in Prague and now. Thanks to Naxos, this masterpiece can be re-introduced to audiences around the world.”

– Marek Štilec, conductor

The coronation of Leopold II in Prague in 1791 came at a difficult time for European monarchs, although Leopold himself enjoyed a reputation as an enlightened ruler. Two musical works were commissioned for the occasion: Mozart’s opera La clemenza di Tito and Koželuch’s cantata Heil dem Monarchen. The cantata, by turns celebratory, serene and darkly dramatic, was well received and enhanced Koželuch’s reputation in royal circles. It almost certainly played a part in his appointment in 1792 to the court of Leopold’s son and successor, the last Holy Roman Emperor Franz II.

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