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Sample Programme 2

Sonatas on the Mysteries of the Rosary
Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber  [1644-1704] 

 
The Mystery Sonatas of Biber, recorded by Cordaria for Signum Records, constitute one of the pinnacles of the entire violin repertoire. Each one inspired by an episode in the life of Mary or Jesus, these sonatas express the entire gamut of emotions contained in the New Testament story. A unique blend of spirituality with human drama, the simple and the profound, the tender and the violent, the exalted and the despairing, they can be played in order, (for example all those associated with Easter or Christmas), or as a contrasting selection, such as the one shown below. To obtain effects normally impossible to achieve, the violin is tuned differently for each sonata. This device, known as ‘scordatura’, also produces acoustical changes in the instrument, which colour and heighten the drama, and the resultant difficulties for the player makes a performance of these works a comparative rarity. A reader, sometimes a member of the public, introduces each sonata with the appropriate Biblical text.  Played generally without an interval, and with no applause until the end, this fascinating programme makes for an inspiring, exciting and intensely moving evening.

 Sample Programme No 1

Sonata No 1: The Annunciation

Sonata No 2: The Visitation

Sonata No 3: The Nativity

Sonata No 4: The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

Sonata No 6: The Sweating of Blood

Sonata No 10: The Crucifixion

Sonata No 12: The Ascension

Passagalia for solo violin

  “Of all the violin players of the last century Biber seems to have been the best, and his solos are the most difficult and fanciful of any music I have seen of the same period.”                              Charles Burney, 1789