Michna
Encyclopedia
Adam Václav Michna z Otradovic – literally Adam Václav Michna from Otradovice – (c. 1600 Jindřichův Hradec
– 1676, Jindřichův Hradec) was a Czech catholic aristocrat, poet
, composer
, hymn
writer, organist
and choir leader of early Baroque era. His is also known in simplified form as Adam Michna and during his life as Adamus Wenceslaus Michna de Ottradowicz. He was the most important Czech composer and poet of early Baroque, that initiated the development of Czech art in that era and became signifiant inspiration for Czech artists of next generations.
and musical family Michna Ottradovic in Jindřichův Hradec
in South Bohemia
(his title was the Knight). His father was organist and trumpeter Michael Michna (many of his other relatives were also trumpeters). In the twenties of the 17th century was restored the literary fraternity in the town by the highest Lord Chancellor of Kingdom of Bohemia
Vilém Slavata
and that act, together with activity of the Jesuit College, founded in 1594, contributed a lot to the development of cultural life in the town. Adam Michna became the first student at the Jesuit College, where he studied in years 1611–1612 and 1615–1617 at the gymnasium
. The Order of Jesuits was in 17th and 18th century a great influence on the musical life in the Czech lands,. Many of Michna compositions were later printed and published by Prague
Jesuits.
Not too much is known about his later life. He became a member of the Literary Society and the organist and choir director in 1633 at the probost church in Jindřichův Hradec. He helped to improve the musical life in the town, was a respected and wealthy citizen of Jindřichův Hradec and also the owner of the tap. He was twice married, but there is not any report about children. In 1673, he established the Foundation for the education of needy young musicians.
and two Latin
collections. The majority of his creative effort was dedicated to sacred music. The best known are his three hymn cycles, Česká mariánská muzika (Czech Marian music), Loutna česká (Czech Lute) and Svatoroční muzika (Holy year music).
He composed vocal as well as vocal-instrumental music, with his own lyrics. He wrote many Czech sacred songs; some are still well known and popular, such as the carol
„Vánoční noc“ (Christmas Night), better known as Chtíc, aby spal, that is ordinarily sung today during Christmas in Czechia. It is possible that Michna was familiar with early Italian baroque compositional techniques.
Sacred music (on liturgical
texts, in Latin), melodically
rich, with polyphonic
sound, in particular using brass instruments (trumpet
s, trombone
s), strings and organ
. Vocal parts are based on the timbre contrast between solo vocals and choir
.
Songs and hymns (homophonic
songs on his own texts in Czech – musically arranged poems)
s and rich metaphorical phrase. His verbal pictures are very vivid and aim to influence the senses. The favourite themes can be described as inner fight of good and evil in man, moving from lovely images of paradise to terrible torments of hell, but with specific noble, philosophical insight (however he sometimes used also colloquial language) , somewhere enriched by the decent humour, arising from critical view of human society. To his other main themes belongs the immaginative painting of the nature. He was the first Czech poet, that created some phenomenon of spiritual
-romantic
poetry.
ic structures. His work is characterized by a subtle and complex blend of rhythmic variations, rhythmic patterns often changing from three-four time to two-four time within a single piece. This command of rhythm and breadth of musical colour equals that of his Italian contemporaries. Michna is as important for Czechs as Heinrich Schütz
for Germans and Claudio Monteverdi
for Italians...
Jindrichuv Hradec
Jindřichův Hradec is a town in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It has approximately 22,700 inhabitants.- History :The first written mention of the town is in 1220. Before that, it was probably a Slavic settlement. At the end of the 12th century more people arrived...
– 1676, Jindřichův Hradec) was a Czech catholic aristocrat, poet
Poet
A poet is a person who writes poetry. A poet's work can be literal, meaning that his work is derived from a specific event, or metaphorical, meaning that his work can take on many meanings and forms. Poets have existed since antiquity, in nearly all languages, and have produced works that vary...
, composer
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
, hymn
Hymn
A hymn is a type of song, usually religious, specifically written for the purpose of praise, adoration or prayer, and typically addressed to a deity or deities, or to a prominent figure or personification...
writer, organist
Organist
An organist is a musician who plays any type of organ. An organist may play solo organ works, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers or instrumental soloists...
and choir leader of early Baroque era. His is also known in simplified form as Adam Michna and during his life as Adamus Wenceslaus Michna de Ottradowicz. He was the most important Czech composer and poet of early Baroque, that initiated the development of Czech art in that era and became signifiant inspiration for Czech artists of next generations.
Life
Michna descended from a nobleNoble
Noble may refer to:* Nobility, a hereditary caste* Noble gas, chemical elements in group 18 of the periodic table* Noble metal, metals that are resistant to corrosion or oxidation...
and musical family Michna Ottradovic in Jindřichův Hradec
Jindrichuv Hradec
Jindřichův Hradec is a town in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It has approximately 22,700 inhabitants.- History :The first written mention of the town is in 1220. Before that, it was probably a Slavic settlement. At the end of the 12th century more people arrived...
in South Bohemia
Bohemia
Bohemia is a historical region in central Europe, occupying the western two-thirds of the traditional Czech Lands. It is located in the contemporary Czech Republic with its capital in Prague...
(his title was the Knight). His father was organist and trumpeter Michael Michna (many of his other relatives were also trumpeters). In the twenties of the 17th century was restored the literary fraternity in the town by the highest Lord Chancellor of Kingdom of Bohemia
Kingdom of Bohemia
The Kingdom of Bohemia was a country located in the region of Bohemia in Central Europe, most of whose territory is currently located in the modern-day Czech Republic. The King was Elector of Holy Roman Empire until its dissolution in 1806, whereupon it became part of the Austrian Empire, and...
Vilém Slavata
Vilem Slavata of Chlum
Vilém Slavata z Chlumu a Košumberka was a Czech nobleman from old Bohemian family. As viceregent of Emperor Ferdinand II of Habsburg he became famous as co-victim, along with Jaroslav Borzita of Martinice, of the 1618 Defenestration of Prague.-Life:Vilém was born at his family's estates in...
and that act, together with activity of the Jesuit College, founded in 1594, contributed a lot to the development of cultural life in the town. Adam Michna became the first student at the Jesuit College, where he studied in years 1611–1612 and 1615–1617 at the gymnasium
Gymnasium (school)
A gymnasium is a type of school providing secondary education in some parts of Europe, comparable to English grammar schools or sixth form colleges and U.S. college preparatory high schools. The word γυμνάσιον was used in Ancient Greece, meaning a locality for both physical and intellectual...
. The Order of Jesuits was in 17th and 18th century a great influence on the musical life in the Czech lands,. Many of Michna compositions were later printed and published by Prague
Prague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million...
Jesuits.
Not too much is known about his later life. He became a member of the Literary Society and the organist and choir director in 1633 at the probost church in Jindřichův Hradec. He helped to improve the musical life in the town, was a respected and wealthy citizen of Jindřichův Hradec and also the owner of the tap. He was twice married, but there is not any report about children. In 1673, he established the Foundation for the education of needy young musicians.
Work
Adam Michna was prolific, but not all of his works were preserved and known today. They are 230 of his compositions from three CzechCzech language
Czech is a West Slavic language with about 12 million native speakers; it is the majority language in the Czech Republic and spoken by Czechs worldwide. The language was known as Bohemian in English until the late 19th century...
and two Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
collections. The majority of his creative effort was dedicated to sacred music. The best known are his three hymn cycles, Česká mariánská muzika (Czech Marian music), Loutna česká (Czech Lute) and Svatoroční muzika (Holy year music).
He composed vocal as well as vocal-instrumental music, with his own lyrics. He wrote many Czech sacred songs; some are still well known and popular, such as the carol
Carol (music)
A carol is a festive song, generally religious but not necessarily connected with church worship, and often with a dance-like or popular character....
„Vánoční noc“ (Christmas Night), better known as Chtíc, aby spal, that is ordinarily sung today during Christmas in Czechia. It is possible that Michna was familiar with early Italian baroque compositional techniques.
Music
The musical work of Adam Michna can be divided in two parts:Sacred music (on liturgical
Liturgy
Liturgy is either the customary public worship done by a specific religious group, according to its particular traditions or a more precise term that distinguishes between those religious groups who believe their ritual requires the "people" to do the "work" of responding to the priest, and those...
texts, in Latin), melodically
Melody
A melody , also tune, voice, or line, is a linear succession of musical tones which is perceived as a single entity...
rich, with polyphonic
Polyphony
In music, polyphony is a texture consisting of two or more independent melodic voices, as opposed to music with just one voice or music with one dominant melodic voice accompanied by chords ....
sound, in particular using brass instruments (trumpet
Trumpet
The trumpet is the musical instrument with the highest register in the brass family. Trumpets are among the oldest musical instruments, dating back to at least 1500 BCE. They are played by blowing air through closed lips, producing a "buzzing" sound which starts a standing wave vibration in the air...
s, trombone
Trombone
The trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family. Like all brass instruments, sound is produced when the player’s vibrating lips cause the air column inside the instrument to vibrate...
s), strings and organ
Organ (music)
The organ , is a keyboard instrument of one or more divisions, each played with its own keyboard operated either with the hands or with the feet. The organ is a relatively old musical instrument in the Western musical tradition, dating from the time of Ctesibius of Alexandria who is credited with...
. Vocal parts are based on the timbre contrast between solo vocals and choir
Choir
A choir, chorale or chorus is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform.A body of singers who perform together as a group is called a choir or chorus...
.
- Obsequinum Marianum (1642)
- Officium vespertinum, Psalmi (1648)
- Magnificant I. toni (1654) –
- Sacra et litaniae – it content 5 masses, 2 litanies, Te Deum, Requiem
- Missa Sancti Wenceslai
Songs and hymns (homophonic
Homophony
In music, homophony is a texture in which two or more parts move together in harmony, the relationship between them creating chords. This is distinct from polyphony, in which parts move with rhythmic independence, and monophony, in which all parts move in parallel rhythm and pitch. A homophonic...
songs on his own texts in Czech – musically arranged poems)
- Česká mariánská muzyka (1647)
- Loutna česká (1653)
- Svatoroční muzyka (1661)
- particular pieces
Poetry
Michna's poetry is based on emphasizing the use of sound words, rhymeRhyme
A rhyme is a repetition of similar sounds in two or more words and is most often used in poetry and songs. The word "rhyme" may also refer to a short poem, such as a rhyming couplet or other brief rhyming poem such as nursery rhymes.-Etymology:...
s and rich metaphorical phrase. His verbal pictures are very vivid and aim to influence the senses. The favourite themes can be described as inner fight of good and evil in man, moving from lovely images of paradise to terrible torments of hell, but with specific noble, philosophical insight (however he sometimes used also colloquial language) , somewhere enriched by the decent humour, arising from critical view of human society. To his other main themes belongs the immaginative painting of the nature. He was the first Czech poet, that created some phenomenon of spiritual
Spiritual
Spiritual may refer to:*Spirituality, a concern with matters of the spirit*Spiritual , an African American song, usually with a Christian religious text...
-romantic
Romance (genre)
As a literary genre of high culture, romance or chivalric romance is a style of heroic prose and verse narrative that was popular in the aristocratic circles of High Medieval and Early Modern Europe. They were fantastic stories about marvel-filled adventures, often of a knight errant portrayed as...
poetry.
- The list of poems is practically identical to the collections of songs
Citation
...Michna's genius is in his brilliant rhythmRhythm
Rhythm may be generally defined as a "movement marked by the regulated succession of strong and weak elements, or of opposite or different conditions." This general meaning of regular recurrence or pattern in time may be applied to a wide variety of cyclical natural phenomena having a periodicity or...
ic structures. His work is characterized by a subtle and complex blend of rhythmic variations, rhythmic patterns often changing from three-four time to two-four time within a single piece. This command of rhythm and breadth of musical colour equals that of his Italian contemporaries. Michna is as important for Czechs as Heinrich Schütz
Heinrich Schütz
Heinrich Schütz was a German composer and organist, generally regarded as the most important German composer before Johann Sebastian Bach and often considered to be one of the most important composers of the 17th century along with Claudio Monteverdi...
for Germans and Claudio Monteverdi
Claudio Monteverdi
Claudio Giovanni Antonio Monteverdi – 29 November 1643) was an Italian composer, gambist, and singer.Monteverdi's work, often regarded as revolutionary, marked the transition from the Renaissance style of music to that of the Baroque period. He developed two individual styles of composition – the...
for Italians...
Recordings
- Sacra Et Litaniae à 5, 6, 7 & 8 Vocum Cum Instrumentis – Václav SmetáčekVáclav SmetácekVáclav Smetáček was a Czech conductor, composer, and oboist.He studied in Prague among others with Jaroslav Křička, conducting with Metod Doležil and Pavel Dědeček, musicology, aesthetics, and philosophy at Charles University...
, Josef Veselka, Symphonisches Orchester Des Rundfunks von Bratislava, Moravan, Schwann, 1966 - Missa à 7, Cantiones, Requiem – Capella Regia Musicalis, Robert Hugo; Studio MatoušStudio MatoušThe Studio Matouš company, founded in 1991, publishes and distributes CDs with classical music. It focus on Czech composers and the majority of recordings is casted by Czech interpreters and recorded both current and historical instruments....
, 1992, Grammy Classic AwardGrammy AwardA Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
in 1993 - Missa Sancti Wenceslai, Svatoroční Muzika – Capella Regia Musicalis, Robert Hugo; Popron Music, 1994
- Officium Vespertinum Capella Regia Musicalis, Robert Hugo; Arta Records, 2001
- The Czech Lute (Loutna česká) – Prague Chamber ChoirPrague Chamber ChoirThe Prague Chamber Choir is a Czech choir founded in 1990 by singers of the Prague Philharmonic Choir. It has given concerts in Australia, Brazil, Israel, Japan, Lebanon and many European countries .- External links :*...
, Musica Bohemica, Jaroslav KrčekJaroslav KrcekJaroslav Krček is a Czech radio producer, conductor, inventor of musical instruments and composer of classical and folk music.- Biography :...
; SupraphonSupraphonSupraphon Music Publishing is a Czech record label, it is oriented mainly towards publishing classical music, with an emphasis on Czech and Slovak composers.- History :...
, 2002. Musica Pro Sancta Cecilia, 2008