Paul Beier, the performer on this album, graduated from the Royal College of Music, London, and has performed globally as a soloist and director of the group Galatea.
Composer Biography
Sylvius Leopold Weiss, a composer born in 1687 in Silesia (now in Poland), grew up under the strong influence of the celebrated lutenist Johann Anton Losy the Younger.
Composition History
Weiss was invited by Augustus the Strong to become an 'Electoral Saxon and Royal Polish Chamber Musician' at his court in Dresden on August 23, 1718.
Composition History
The Sonata in C Major on this album is believed to be new music Weiss promised to compose for Prince Philipp Hyacinth von Lobkowitz, a patron and fellow lutenist.
Composition History
The Dresden manuscript, a large collection of Weiss's works, includes many expansive sonatas composed late in his life that are unique to this source.
Instruments
Weiss collaborated with Prague lute maker Thomas Edlinger to improve the 11-course lute by adding two bass courses, creating the 13-course instrument used on this recording.
Composer's Artistic Vision
In his late works, Weiss created large forms with impressive architectural shapes and bold harmonic adventurousness, conveying a serious sentiment and profound musical drama.
