Biber: Baroque Splendor

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the resplendent world of Baroque music with "Baroque Splendor," a captivating album featuring the extraordinary compositions of Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber. This collection, released by Alia Vox in 2015, showcases the genius of one of the Baroque era's most innovative and influential composers.

At the heart of this album is the monumental "Missa Salisburgensis," a grand poly-choral mass that exemplifies the Colossal Baroque style. Composed for the Salzburg Cathedral, this work takes full advantage of the cathedral's multiple organs and various performance locations, creating a rich and immersive musical experience. The mass is performed by the renowned La Capella Reial de Catalunya, conducted by the esteemed Jordi Savall, ensuring a performance of the highest caliber.

In addition to the "Missa Salisburgensis," the album features a variety of other works by von Biber, including the dramatic "Battalia," a programmatic piece depicting a battle and its aftermath, and the intricate "Motet: Plaudite Tympana." The album also includes the "Sonata Sancti Polycarpi," a work that showcases von Biber's virtuosity and innovation in violin composition.

Recorded in the historic Cardona Castle in Catalonia, the album benefits from the exceptional acoustics and ambiance of this medieval setting. The performances are brought to life by an ensemble of talented musicians, including Hanna Bayodi-Hirt, Marianne Beate Kielland, and Pascal Bertin, among others.

With a duration of over an hour, "Baroque Splendor" offers a comprehensive exploration of von Biber's musical genius. Whether you're a seasoned Baroque enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to delight and inspire. So, sit back, relax, and let the enchanting melodies and harmonies of Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber transport you to the opulent world of Baroque music.

4 sep 2015

(P) 2015 Alia Vox

About Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, born in 1644 in Wartenberg, Bohemia (now Stráž pod Ralskem, Czech Republic), was a virtuoso violinist and composer whose extraordinary talent left an indelible mark on the Baroque era. Renowned for his exceptional skill on the violin, Biber was known to master the instrument up to the seventh position, a feat that set him apart from his contemporaries. His innovative use of scordatura, a technique involving retuning the strings of the violin, added a unique and expressive dimension to his compositions.

Biber's musical journey took him from his humble beginnings to the courts of Graz and Kroměříž, before settling in Salzburg, where he served as the Hofkapellmeister from 1684. His compositions, particularly his violin works, are celebrated for their originality and emotional depth. Among his most famous works are the "Rosary Sonatas," a collection of deeply symbolic and affect-laden pieces that showcase his virtuosity and compositional genius.

Recognized during his lifetime as one of the greatest violinists of his century, Biber's influence extended beyond his performances. His published instrumental music helped spread his reputation far and wide, though his innovative techniques sometimes drew criticism from his peers. Despite this, his legacy endures, and his music continues to captivate audiences with its brilliance and emotional resonance. Biber's contributions to the Baroque repertoire are a testament to his enduring genius and his place as one of the most significant figures in the history of Western music.