Biber: Mystery Sonatas

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the virtuosic world of Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber's "Mystery Sonatas," a collection of sixteen sonatas penned by the Austrian composer in the 1670s. This exquisite album, released on October 14, 2022, by Passacaille, offers a profound exploration of Biber's mastery of the violin and his deep spiritual devotion.

The "Mystery Sonatas," also known as the "Rosary Sonatas," are a series of sonatas dedicated to the mysteries of the rosary, each movement corresponding to a specific event in the life of the Virgin Mary and Jesus. The sonatas are renowned for their technical complexity and innovative use of scordatura, a technique where the strings of the violin are retuned to achieve unique timbres and effects.

This two-hour, nine-minute journey begins with the haunting "Rosary Sonata No. 1 in D Minor, C. 90 'The Annunciation'" and concludes with the reflective "Rosary Sonata No. 16 in G Minor, C. 105 'Guardian Angel'." Each sonata is a testament to Biber's genius, featuring a variety of dance movements, variations, and contemplative pieces that showcase his compositional prowess.

The album is a treasure trove for both classical music enthusiasts and those seeking to explore the rich tapestry of Baroque music. Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber's "Mystery Sonatas" is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences with its depth, complexity, and spiritual resonance.

14 oktober 2022

(P) 2022 Passacaille

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.