Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber's "The Mystery Sonatas," a timeless masterpiece that has captivated violin enthusiasts for centuries. Originally composed around 1678 and dedicated to the Archbishop of Salzburg, these sonatas are a testament to Biber's virtuosity and deep spiritual insight. This album, released on Linn Records in 2018, offers a comprehensive collection of Biber's 15 sonatas, each intricately crafted to depict scenes from the Rosary, culminating in a profound Passacaglia for solo violin.
Spanning over two hours, this album is a journey through the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, each sonata vividly portraying a different mystery. From the tender "Annunciation" to the triumphant "Resurrection," Biber's compositions are a blend of technical brilliance and emotional depth. The sonatas are not merely musical pieces but are imbued with a sense of devotion and reverence, making them a unique and profound listening experience.
The album features a variety of musical forms and styles, showcasing Biber's versatility and innovation. You'll encounter everything from lively preludes and courantes to somber lamentos and intricate variations. Each sonata is a miniature masterpiece, demonstrating Biber's mastery of the violin and his ability to convey complex narratives through music.
This recording is a testament to the enduring appeal of Biber's work, offering a fresh interpretation that honors the composer's original intentions while bringing his music to a new audience. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, "The Mystery Sonatas" is an album that promises to enrich and inspire.
2018 Outhere2018 Linn Records
Tracks
Sonata I in D Minor ‘The Annunciation’: Praeludium – Aria and 2 Variations – FinaleHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Christina Day Martinson, Martin Pearlman, Boston Baroque
Sonata II in A Major ‘The Visitation’: [Sonata] / Presto – Allamanda – PrestoHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Christina Day Martinson, Martin Pearlman, Boston Baroque
Sonata III in B Minor ‘The Nativity’: [Sonata] / Presto – Courente and double – AdagioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Christina Day Martinson, Martin Pearlman, Boston Baroque
Sonata IV in D Minor ‘The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple’: Ciacona with 12 VariationsHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Christina Day Martinson, Martin Pearlman, Boston Baroque
Sonata V in A Major ‘The Finding of Jesus in the Temple’: Praeludium – Allamanda – Gigue – Sarabande and doubleHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Christina Day Martinson, Martin Pearlman, Boston Baroque
Sonata VI in C Minor ‘The Agony in the Garden’: LamentoHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Christina Day Martinson, Martin Pearlman, Boston Baroque
Sonata VII in F Major ‘The Scourging of Jesus’: Allamanda and Variation – Sarabanda and 3 VariationsHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Christina Day Martinson, Martin Pearlman, Boston Baroque
Sonata VIII in B-Flat Major ‘The Crowning with Thorns’: Sonata: Adagio / Presto – Gigue and 2 doublesHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Christina Day Martinson, Martin Pearlman, Boston Baroque
Sonata IX in A Minor ‘The Carrying of the Cross’: Sonata – Courente and 2 doubles – FinalHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Christina Day Martinson, Martin Pearlman, Boston Baroque
Sonata X in G Minor ‘The Crucifixion’: Praeludium – Aria and 5 VariationsHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Christina Day Martinson, Martin Pearlman, Boston Baroque
Sonata XI in G Major ‘The Resurrection’: Sonata – Hymn ‘Surrexit Christus hodie’ and VariationsHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Christina Day Martinson, Martin Pearlman, Boston Baroque
Sonata XII in C Major ‘The Ascension’: Intrada – Aria tubicinum – Allemanda – Courante and doubleHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Christina Day Martinson, Martin Pearlman, Boston Baroque
Sonata XIII in D Minor ‘The Descent of the Holy Ghost’: Sonata – Gavotte – Gigue – SarabandaHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Christina Day Martinson, Martin Pearlman, Boston Baroque
Sonata XIV in D Major ‘The Assumption of the Virgin’: [Sonata] – Arias 1 and 2 – GigueHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Christina Day Martinson, Martin Pearlman, Boston Baroque
Sonata XV in C Major ‘The Coronation of the Virgin’: Sonata – Aria with 3 doubles – Canzona – Sarabanda and doubleHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Christina Day Martinson, Martin Pearlman, Boston Baroque
Passacaglia in G Minor for Solo ViolinHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Christina Day Martinson, Martin Pearlman, Boston Baroque
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