Immerse yourself in the intricate and elegant world of Baroque music with Silvius Leopold Weiss's "Weiss: Zwei Sonaten und Tombeau." Released on September 18, 2015, under Thorofon Records, this album is a captivating collection of Weiss's masterful compositions for the guitar, showcasing his unparalleled skill and innovation as a composer and lutenist.
Silvius Leopold Weiss, born in 1686 in Breslau (now Wroclaw, Poland), was a virtuoso of the lute and a prolific composer, often regarded as the greatest composer for the Baroque lute. His works are celebrated for their technical brilliance and emotional depth, and this album is no exception. The pieces featured in "Weiss: Zwei Sonaten und Tombeau" include two sonatas and a tombeau, all in D Minor, demonstrating Weiss's mastery of form and expression.
The album opens with the Sonate No. 2 für Gitarre in D Minor, a multi-movement work that includes a Prelude, Allemande, Lourante, Bourrée, Menuet I, Sarabande, Menuett II, and Gigue. Each movement is a testament to Weiss's ability to convey a range of emotions and moods through his music. The second sonata follows a similar structure, with movements such as the Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gavotte, Menuet, and Gigue, each offering a unique exploration of the D Minor key.
The album also includes the Tombeau für Gitarre in D Minor: Sur la Mort de Mr. Comte d'Loggy arrivée, a poignant piece composed in memory of the Count de Logy. This tombeau, or "tomb," is a reflective and somber work that showcases Weiss's ability to convey deep emotion through his music.
Recorded in Moreland Hills, OH, in September 2015, this album captures the essence of Weiss's compositions with clarity and precision. The performances are brought to life by the skilled musicianship of the artists involved, offering a true representation of Weiss's intended sound.
With a duration of 40 minutes, "Weiss: Zwei Sonaten und Tombeau" is a concise yet comprehensive exploration of Silvius Leopold Weiss's guitar works. Whether you are a longtime fan of Baroque music or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Dive into the world of Silvius Leopold Weiss and discover the timeless beauty of his music.