Biber: Rosary Sonatas

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the virtuosic world of Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber with this stunning 2015 release of his renowned "Rosary Sonatas." This double album, meticulously performed by Rachel Podger and her ensemble, offers a breathtaking journey through Biber's masterful composition, a collection of 15 sonatas for violin and continuo, each accompanied by a final passacaglia for solo violin. The sonatas, believed to have been penned in the 1670s, are a testament to Biber's extraordinary skill and innovation, featuring unique violin tunings (scordatura) that push the instrument and the performer to their limits.

Rachel Podger, accompanied by Marcin Świątkiewicz on harpsichord and organ, Jonathan Manson on cello and viola da gamba, and David Miller on theorbo and archlute, delivers a period-style performance that brings these historic pieces to life with remarkable authenticity. The album stretches the violin and the violinist to the limit, showcasing Biber's unparalleled virtuosity and the ensemble's exceptional talent.

Each sonata is intricately linked to the Christian Rosary practice, with copper-engraved vignettes that depict episodes from the lives of Jesus and Mary. The sonatas are divided into the Five Joyful Mysteries, the Five Sorrowful Mysteries, and the Five Glorious Mysteries, providing a comprehensive musical exploration of these sacred devotional themes. The album concludes with the "Passagalia in G Minor, C. 105 'Guardian Angel,'" a solo violin passacaglia that serves as a fitting finale to this extraordinary collection.

Recorded in multichannel sound, this album offers an immersive listening experience that highlights the intricate details and rich textures of Biber's compositions. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this album is a captivating exploration of one of the most astonishing sets of violin sonatas ever written.

1 januari 2015

2015 Channel Classics Records

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.