Immerse yourself in the profound and intricate world of Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber's "The Rosary Sonatas," a masterful collection of 15 sonatas for violin and continuo, complemented by a final passacaglia for solo violin. This album, released on September 2, 2016, under the Aeolus label, offers a captivating journey through the Baroque era, showcasing Biber's virtuosity and innovation.
Each sonata is uniquely paired with a copper-engraved vignette, illustrating scenes from the Christian Rosary practice and the Feast of the Guardian Angels. These visual accompaniments add a layer of depth to the musical experience, making this album a feast for both the ears and the eyes. The sonatas are meticulously crafted, featuring a variety of tunings and styles that highlight Biber's experimental approach to the violin, making this collection one of the most challenging and rewarding in the Baroque repertoire.
The album spans a duration of 1 hour and 35 minutes, providing a comprehensive exploration of Biber's compositional genius. From the somber tones of the "Rosary Sonata No. 1 in D Minor ‘The Annunciation’" to the triumphant notes of the "Rosary Sonata No. 11 in G Major ‘The Resurrection’," each piece tells a story, evoking a range of emotions and reflections.
Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, a virtuoso violinist and composer, was highly respected during his lifetime. His service as Kappelmeister at the Salzburg Cathedral under Prince-Archbishop Maximilian Gandolf earned him a title of minor nobility. This album is a testament to his enduring legacy, offering a glimpse into the musical brilliance of the 17th century.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, "The Rosary Sonatas" promises an enriching and engaging experience. The intricate compositions, paired with the historical and cultural context, make this album a standout in the world of Baroque music.
2016 Aeolus2016 Aeolus
Tracks
Rosary Sonata No. 1 in D Minor „The Annunciation“, C 90: I. PraeludiumHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 1 in D Minor „The Annunciation“, C 90: II. Variatio Aria allegroHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 1 in D Minor „The Annunciation“, C 90: III. AdagioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 1 in D Minor „The Annunciation“, C 90: IV. [Variatio]Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 1 in D Minor „The Annunciation“, C 90: V. FinaleHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 2 in A Major „The Visitation“, C 91: I. SonataHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 2 in A Major „The Visitation“, C 91: II. PrestoHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 2 in A Major „The Visitation“, C 91: III. AllemandeHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 2 in A Major „The Visitation“, C 91: IV. PrestoHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 3 in B Minor „The Nativity“, C 92: I. SonataHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 3 in B Minor „The Nativity“, C 92: II. CourenteHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 3 in B Minor „The Nativity“, C 92: III. DoubleHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 3 in B Minor „The Nativity“, C 92: IV. AdagioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 4 in D Minor „The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple“, C 93: I. CiaconaHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 5 in A Major „The Finding of Jesus in the Temple“, C 94: I. PraeludiumHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 5 in A Major „The Finding of Jesus in the Temple“, C 94: II. AllamandeHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 5 in A Major „The Finding of Jesus in the Temple“, C 94: III. GuigueHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 5 in A Major „The Finding of Jesus in the Temple“, C 94: IV. SarabandeHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 5 in A Major „The Finding of Jesus in the Temple“, C 94: V. DoubleHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 6 in C Minor „The Agony in the Garden“, C 95: I. LamentoHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 6 in C Minor „The Agony in the Garden“, C 95: II. [Sarabande]Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 6 in C Minor „The Agony in the Garden“, C 95: III. [Recitativo] - AdagioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 6 in C Minor „The Agony in the Garden“, C 95: IV. AdagioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 6 in C Minor „The Agony in the Garden“, C 95: V. [Marche]Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 7 in F Major „The Scourging at the Pillar“, C 96: I. AllemandaHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 7 in F Major „The Scourging at the Pillar“, C 96: II. VariatioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 7 in F Major „The Scourging at the Pillar“, C 96: III. SarabandeHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 7 in F Major „The Scourging at the Pillar“, C 96: IV. VariatioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 7 in F Major „The Scourging at the Pillar“, C 96: V. [Variatio 2]Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 7 in F Major „The Scourging at the Pillar“, C 96: VI. [Variatio 3]Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 8 in B-Flat Major „The Crowning with Thorns“, C 97: I. SonataHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 8 in B-Flat Major „The Crowning with Thorns“, C 97: II. GuigueHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 8 in B-Flat Major „The Crowning with Thorns“, C 97: III. Double PrestoHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 8 in B-Flat Major „The Crowning with Thorns“, C 97: IV. Double 2Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 9 in A Minor „The Carrying of the Cross“, C 98: I. SonataHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 9 in A Minor „The Carrying of the Cross“, C 98: II. CourenteHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 9 in A Minor „The Carrying of the Cross“, C 98: III. DoubleHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 9 in A Minor „The Carrying of the Cross“, C 98: IV. [Double 2]Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 9 in A Minor „The Carrying of the Cross“, C 98: V. FinaleHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 10 in G Minor „The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus“, C 99: I. PraeludiumHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 10 in G Minor „The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus“, C 99: II. AriaHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 10 in G Minor „The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus“, C 99: III. VariatioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 10 in G Minor „The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus“, C 99: IV. [Variatio 2]Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 10 in G Minor „The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus“, C 99: V. AdagioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 10 in G Minor „The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus“, C 99: VI. [Variatio 4]Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 10 in G Minor „The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus“, C 99: VII. [Variatio 5]Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 11 in G Major „The Resurrection“, C 100: I. SonataHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 11 in G Major „The Resurrection“, C 100: II. Surrexit Christus hodieHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 11 in G Major „The Resurrection“, C 100: III. AdagioHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
Rosary Sonata No. 12 in C Major „The Ascension“, C 101: I. IntradaHeinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, Hélène Schmitt
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