Immerse yourself in the exquisite world of Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber's complete violin sonatas with the album "Just Biber," performed by the renowned Rachel Podger and the Brecon Baroque ensemble. Released on July 4, 2025, under the prestigious Channel Classics label, this album spans a captivating 70 minutes, featuring 34 tracks that showcase Biber's mastery and innovation in violin composition.
Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, a legendary Bohemian violinist and composer, was known for his relentless pursuit of new playing techniques and his unique musical expression. This album encapsulates his genius, offering a comprehensive journey through his solo violin sonatas. From the intricate variations of the "Violin Sonata No. 5 in E Minor, C. 142" to the lively "Finale" of the "Violin Sonata No. 2 in D Minor, C. 139," each piece is a testament to Biber's extraordinary talent and creativity.
The album also includes the "Violin Sonata violino solo representativa in A Major, C. 146," a work that highlights Biber's ability to evoke a range of characters and moods through his music. The "Passacaglia in C minor" from the "Violin Sonata No. 6 in C Minor, C. 143" is another standout piece, showcasing Biber's skill in creating complex and emotionally resonant compositions.
Rachel Podger's virtuosic performance brings Biber's music to life, capturing the essence of each piece with precision and passion. The Brecon Baroque ensemble provides a rich and nuanced backdrop, enhancing the overall listening experience. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Just Biber" offers a captivating exploration of one of the most influential violin sonatas in music history.
2025 Channel Classics Records / Outhere Music France2025 Channel Classics Records / Outhere Music France
Tracks
Violin Sonata No. 5 in E Minor, C. 142: I. [...]Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata No. 5 in E Minor, C. 142: II. Variatio - AllegroHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata No. 5 in E Minor, C. 142: III. PrestoHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata No. 5 in E Minor, C. 142: IV. Aria - VariationsHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata No. 1 in A Major, C. 138: I. [...]Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata No. 1 in A Major, C. 138: II. AdagioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata No. 1 in A Major, C. 138: III. [...]Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata No. 1 in A Major, C. 138: IV. VariatioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata No. 1 in A Major, C. 138: V. FinaleHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata No. 2 in D Minor, C. 139: I. [...]Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata No. 2 in D Minor, C. 139: II. AriaHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata No. 2 in D Minor, C. 139: III. VariatioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata No. 2 in D Minor, C. 139: IV. AdagioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata No. 2 in D Minor, C. 139: V. [...]Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata No. 2 in D Minor, C. 139: VI. FinaleHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata violino solo representativa in A Major, C. 146: I. AllegroHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata violino solo representativa in A Major, C. 146: II. Die NachtigalHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata violino solo representativa in A Major, C. 146: III. Der Cu CuHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata violino solo representativa in A Major, C. 146: IV. Der FreschHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata violino solo representativa in A Major, C. 146: V. Die Henne und der HannHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata violino solo representativa in A Major, C. 146: VI. Die VachtelHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata violino solo representativa in A Major, C. 146: VII. Die KatzHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata violino solo representativa in A Major, C. 146: VIII. Musquetier MarsHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata violino solo representativa in A Major, C. 146: IX. AllamandeHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata No. 6 in C Minor, C. 143: I. [...]Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata No. 6 in C Minor, C. 143: II. PassacagliaHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata No. 6 in C Minor, C. 143: III. [...] - AdagioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata No. 6 in C Minor, C. 143: IV. GavottaHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata No. 6 in C Minor, C. 143: V. Adagio - Allegro - AdagioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata No. 3 in F Major, C. 140: I. Adagio - PrestoHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata No. 3 in F Major, C. 140: II. Aria - VariatioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata No. 3 in F Major, C. 140: III. Presto - AdagioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata No. 3 in F Major, C. 140: IV. AllegroHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
Violin Sonata No. 3 in F Major, C. 140: V. VariatioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Rachel Podger, Brecon Baroque
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.
Vinylscout
Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber
