Immerse yourself in the rich, Baroque world of Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber with his masterful "Rosenkranzsonaten, C 90-105." This captivating collection, released on March 6, 2020, by Pan Classics, is a testament to Biber's genius and his profound influence on the Baroque violin repertoire. Spanning over two hours, this album is a journey through fifteen sonatas and a passacaglia, each intricately composed and performed with exquisite precision by Gunar Letzbor and the ensemble Ars Antiqua Austria.
The "Rosenkranzsonaten" is a unique cycle of sonatas, each inspired by the mysteries of the rosary, offering a blend of technical virtuosity and spiritual depth. From the somber tones of "The Annunciation" in D Minor to the triumphant "Crowning of the Virgin Mary" in C Major, each sonata is a distinct musical narrative, showcasing Biber's innovative use of scordatura (retuning the strings) and his mastery of the violin.
Gunar Letzbor, a renowned violinist and conductor, leads Ars Antiqua Austria with a keen sense of historical authenticity and expressive depth. The ensemble's performance brings to life the intricate counterpoint and rich harmonies of Biber's compositions, making this recording a standout in the genre of Baroque chamber music.
Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Baroque music or a curious newcomer, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The meticulous attention to detail in both the composition and performance makes "Rosenkranzsonaten, C 90-105" a timeless addition to any music collection.
2020 Pan Classics2020 Pan Classics
Tracks
Rosenkranzsonate No. 1 in D Minor, C 90 "The Annunciation": I. PraeludiumHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 1 in D Minor, C 90 "The Annunciation": II. Aria allegro - VariatioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 1 in D Minor, C 90 "The Annunciation": III. Adagio - FinaleHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 2 in A Major, C 91 "Mary's Visit to Elizabeth": I. SonataHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 2 in A Major, C 91 "Mary's Visit to Elizabeth": II. AllemandeHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 2 in A Major, C 91 "Mary's Visit to Elizabeth": III. PrestoHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 3 in B Minor, C 92 "The Nativity": I. SonataHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 3 in B Minor, C 92 "The Nativity": II. Courante - DoubleHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 3 in B Minor, C 92 "The Nativity": III. AdagioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 4 in D Minor, C 93 "The Presentation"Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 5 in A Major, C 94 "Child Jesus in the Temple": I. PraeludiumHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 5 in A Major, C 94 "Child Jesus in the Temple": II. AllemandeHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 5 in A Major, C 94 "Child Jesus in the Temple": III. GigueHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 5 in A Major, C 94 "Child Jesus in the Temple": IV. Sarabande - DoubleHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 6 in C Minor, C 95 "The Agony in the Garden": Ia. LamentoHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 6 in C Minor, C 95 "The Agony in the Garden": Ib. AdagioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 6 in C Minor, C 95 "The Agony in the Garden": Ic. AdagioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 7 in F Major, C 96 "The Scourging of Jesus": I. Allemande - VariatioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 7 in F Major, C 96 "The Scourging of Jesus": II. Sarabande - VariatioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 8 in B-Flat Major, C 97 "The Crown of Thorns": I. SonataHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 8 in B-Flat Major, C 97 "The Crown of Thorns": II. Gigue - Doubles I & IIHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 9 in A Minor, C 98 "Carrying the Cross": I. SonataHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 9 in A Minor, C 98 "Carrying the Cross": II. Courante - DoubleHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 9 in A Minor, C 98 "Carrying the Cross": III. FinaleHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 10 in G Minor, C 99 "The Crucifixion": I. PraeludiumHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 10 in G Minor, C 99 "The Crucifixion": II. Aria - VariatioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 11 in G Major, C 100 "The Resurrection": I. SonataHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 11 in G Major, C 100 "The Resurrection": II. Surrexit Christus hodieHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 11 in G Major, C 100 "The Resurrection": III. AdagioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 12 in C Major, C 101 "The Ascension": I. IntradaHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 12 in C Major, C 101 "The Ascension": II. Aria tubicinumHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 12 in C Major, C 101 "The Ascension": III. Allamande - VariatioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 12 in C Major, C 101 "The Ascension": IV. Courante - DoubleHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 13 in D Minor, C 102 "The Holy Ghost": I. SonataHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 13 in D Minor, C 102 "The Holy Ghost": II. GavotteHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 13 in D Minor, C 102 "The Holy Ghost": III. GigueHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 13 in D Minor, C 102 "The Holy Ghost": IV. SarabandeHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 14 in D Major, C 103 "The Assumption of Mary": I. GraveHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 14 in D Major, C 103 "The Assumption of Mary": II. Aria - GigueHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 15 in C Major, C 104 "Crowning of the Virgin Mary": I. SonataHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 15 in C Major, C 104 "Crowning of the Virgin Mary": II. AriaHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 15 in C Major, C 104 "Crowning of the Virgin Mary": III. CanzoneHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Rosenkranzsonate No. 15 in C Major, C 104 "Crowning of the Virgin Mary": IV. SarabandeHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
Passacaglia in G Minor, C 105 “The Guardian Angel”Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Gunar Letzbor, Ars Antiqua Austria
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