Immerse yourself in the profound and intricate world of Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber's "Rosenkranzsonaten, C 90-105," a masterful collection of 15 sonatas and a passacaglia, released on Pan Classics. This album, spanning over two hours and twenty-two minutes, is a testament to Biber's virtuosity and his deep spiritual connection to the Rosary's mysteries. Each sonata is meticulously crafted, reflecting the composer's unique style and his ability to convey complex emotions through his music.
The "Rosenkranzsonaten" is not just a collection of pieces; it's a journey through the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, from the Annunciation to the Crowning of the Virgin Mary. Biber's innovative use of scordatura tuning in these works adds a layer of depth and richness, making each sonata a distinct and captivating experience. The final piece, the Passacaglia in G Minor, C 105 “The Guardian Angel,” is a stunning conclusion to this monumental work, showcasing Biber's compositional prowess and his ability to evoke a sense of awe and reverence.
This album is a must-listen for anyone interested in Baroque music, particularly those who appreciate the violin's expressive capabilities. Biber's "Rosenkranzsonaten" is a profound exploration of faith, artistry, and the human experience, making it a significant addition to any classical 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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