Immerse yourself in the profound and spiritual world of Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber's "The Mystery Sonatas," a masterful collection of 15 sonatas and a passacaglia, released on Linn Records in April 2018. This album is a journey through the life of Christ, each sonata depicting a specific event, from the Annunciation to the Coronation of the Virgin. Von Biber's innovative use of scordatura tuning and his virtuosic compositional style make this a captivating exploration of Baroque music.
Spanning over two hours, the album offers a rich tapestry of musical expression, with each sonata presenting a unique blend of movements and variations. From the haunting Lamento of 'The Agony in the Garden' to the triumphant Hymn 'Surrexit Christus hodie' in 'The Resurrection,' von Biber's work is both technically demanding and deeply evocative. The final Passacaglia in G Minor for Solo Violin is a testament to the composer's skill and the violinist's prowess.
This album is not just a collection of sonatas; it's a narrative, a story told through music. Von Biber's "The Mystery Sonatas" is a must-experience for anyone interested in Baroque music, religious themes, or simply the beauty of the violin.
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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