Biber: Violin Sonatas (1681)

Ars Antiqua Austria;Gunar Letzbor, violin

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber (1644-1704)
Violin Sonatas (1681)
8 Sonatae, Violino Solo (1681) - Sonata ,,Representativa"

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber (1644-1704) was one of the most important composers for the violin in the history of the instrument. His technique allowed him to easily reach the 6th and 7th positions, employ multiple stops in intricate polyphonic passages, and explore the various possibilities of scordatura tuning. During Biber's lifetime, his music was known and imitated throughout Europe.
It is surprising that the collection Sonatae, violino solo (1681), as opposed to the Rosary Sonatas, should not be very well known and rarely be performed in concert. The cycle of eight Sonatas is amazing for its unity but at the same time for its incredible variety. The collection begins with a sonata in A major and ends with an unusual triosonata for solo violin, again in A major. Even the sequence of the other sonatas has its own precise logic and the succession of the various keys underlines the affetti and the character of the music. Each sonata presents a special character, a specific colour, its own independent writing style with its peculiar form; no two are alike! The sonatas show that Biber was capable of music of great beauty and reflection as well as virtuosity.
In the Sonata Representativa, one will find Biber's instrumental impressions of cuckoos, frogs, cats, and marching musketeers. These are supplied with a simple ground bass that provides plenty of room for the soloist to stretch out and show off, but are written at such a high level of difficulty that few violinists attempt to master them.

Price: $35.98

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