Biber. Rosary Sonatas. Podger

Rachel Podger (violin), Marcin Swiatkiewicz (harpsichord), Jonathan Manson (cello), David Miller (theorbo)

Winner - Baroque Instrumental
Gramophone Awards 2016 shortlist – Baroque Instrumental
Even today, the Rosary Sonatas are considered the most extensive example of scordatura – a technique whereby the strings are purposefully tuned differently from their usual arrangement. In these Sonatas, the violins usual G-D-A-E tuning is only used for the opening Sonata and the closing Passacaglia. The other fourteen sonatas each have a different configuration of tuning. Compositionally this allowed Biber to obtain unusual chords, opening up a whole new spectrum of harmonic and textural possibilities. This fundamentally altered what a violin was and could be; its physicality as well as its voice was transformed. On this recording, the incomparable Rachel Podger, explores these mystery behind these sonatas are reveals these works in a whole new light.

Price: $35.98