Heinrich Biber: Rosenkranzsonaten

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the profound and intricate world of Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber's "Rosenkranzsonaten," a masterful collection of sonatas that have captivated audiences for centuries. Composed around 1676 during Biber's tenure in the service of the Archbishop of Salzburg, these sonatas, also known as the Mystery Sonatas, are renowned for their virtuosity and technical brilliance. This album, released in 2015, offers a meticulous performance of Biber's original compositions, providing a rare opportunity to experience the composer's genius firsthand.

The "Rosenkranzsonaten" are divided into fifteen sonatas, each dedicated to a mystery of the Rosary, interspersed with a passacaglia. The sonatas are performed on the violin, showcasing Biber's innovative use of scordatura tuning, which adds a unique and haunting quality to the music. The album begins with the serene "Glockenläuten der Kirche von Friedelshausen" and culminates in the majestic "Passacaglia in D Minor, BuxWV 161," offering a comprehensive journey through Biber's musical vision.

This recording, available on the Querstand label, features a duration of 40 minutes, encapsulating the essence of Biber's compositional style. The sonatas are performed with precision and sensitivity, highlighting the intricate counterpoint and expressive melodies that characterize Biber's work. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this album promises an enriching and rewarding listening experience.

22 mei 2015

Querstand

Klaus-Jürgen Kamprad

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.