The violin used for this recording was made in 1629 by Girolamo Amati, one of the 'Brothers Amati', and is believed to be one of the last instruments he worked on before his death in the 1629-1630 plague.
Compositional Technique
The sequence of tunings in Vilsmaÿr's partias creates a dramatic shift from a dark, slack sound in Partia No. 3 (C minor) to a bright, tight sound in Partia No. 4 (D major).
Performer Biography
Peter Sheppard Skærved, the violinist on this recording, is known for his pioneering approach to music and has had over 400 works written for him by various composers.
Compositional Technique
Vilsmaÿr's six partias for solo violin use four different scordatura tunings, requiring five adjustments when played in sequence, which affects the violin's sound color.
Compositional Technique
Vilsmaÿr's 'Canario' dance incorporates the song of the canary bird, a challenge his contemporary composers, including Bach, did not attempt.
Composer Biography
Johann Joseph Vilsmaÿr, the composer of these partias, was a well-paid member of the Hofkapell in Salzburg from 1689 until his death in 1722.
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