Biber: Violin Sonatas (1681)

Featuring

Gunar Letzbor
Ars Antiqua Austria
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber

Did you know?

1/6

Critical Reception

Unlike Biber's Mysterien-Sonaten, this collection of sonatas is not widely known and is rarely performed in concerts today.

Composition History

Biber dedicated his Sonatae, violino solo to the Bishop of Salzburg, Max Gandolph, in 1681 during a concert for the Kaiser.

Composer Biography

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, the composer, was Master of Ceremonies and Kapellmeister to the Archbishop of Salzburg.

Interpretation

The performers, Ars Antiqua Austria, used a large number of instrumentalists for the basso continuo to highlight the music's 'extramusical inspiration'.

Compositional Technique

The Sonata 'Representativa' imitates various animal sounds and a musketeers' march, showcasing Biber's programmatic approach.

Compositional Technique

Biber's violin sonatas extensively use scordatura (alternative tunings), double notes, and descriptive effects, distinguishing them from Italian violin styles.