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Hot pants make a comeback in the graphics for this recording of Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber's Mystery Sonatas, a cycle of connected violin works that collectively depict the Passion of Jesus Christ and the Ascension of Mary. These are fearsomely virtuosic works that demand the retuning of the violin for each sonata; violinist Amandine Beyer, sparsely accompanied by her Gli Incogniti group in continuo settings, like most violinists, uses several violins. The Sonata No. 10 in G minor, representing the Crucifixion, even requires the player to symbolically cross the two central strings of the violin. In the general run of performances, the Mystery Sonatas seem part of the dramatic, irregular, expressive 17th century (they were composed around 1675). The hot pants may thus seem an unusual choice, but looked at another way, so was Biber's choice of French dance rhythms for much of the material. Beyer, who conceived this performance in conjunction with a dance presentation, takes the music in a new direction, emphasizing these dance rhythms in a bright, lively performance. This pushes the music in the direction of Bach, in whose music, the interpenetration of sacred and secular is often the entire point. Beyer's readings of Biber's individual movements are strongly characterized; the music is not a blow-by-blow representation of events, but in her hands, it is vivid enough, and there is no question that she has the technical chops to handle the music's challenges. This is an unusually compelling and engaging set of Mystery Sonatas, brilliantly performed, and it hit classical best-seller charts in early 2023.
© James Manheim /TiVo
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Mystery (Rosary) Sonata No. 1 in D Minor, The Annunciation (Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber)
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Mystery (Rosary) Sonata No. 2 in A Major, The Visitation (Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber)
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Mystery (Rosary) Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, The Nativity (Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber)
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Mystery (Rosary) Sonata No. 4 in D Minor, The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber)
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Mystery (Rosary) Sonata No. 5 in A Major, The Finding of Jesus in the Temple (Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber)
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Mystery (Rosary) Sonata No. 6 in C Minor, The Agony in the Garden (Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber)
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Mystery (Rosary) Sonata No. 7 in F Major, The Scourging at the Pillar (Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber)
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Mystery (Rosary) Sonata No. 8 in B-Flat Major, The Crowning with Thorns (Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber)
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Mystery (Rosary) Sonata No. 9 in A Minor, The Carrying of the Cross (Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber)
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
DISC 2
Mystery (Rosary) Sonata No. 10 in G Minor, The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber)
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Mystery (Rosary) Sonata No. 11 in G Major, The Resurrection (Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber)
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Mystery (Rosary) Sonata No. 12 in C Major, The Ascension (Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber)
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Mystery (Rosary) Sonata No. 13 in D Minor, The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber)
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Mystery (Rosary) Sonata No. 14 in D Major, The Assumption of Mary into Heaven (Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber)
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Mystery (Rosary) Sonata No. 15 in C Major, The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth (Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber)
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist - Gli Incogniti, MainArtist, MusicalEnsemble
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Mystery (Rosary) Sonata No. 16 in G Minor, The Guardian Angel (Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber)
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Composer - Amandine Beyer, Violin, MainArtist
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
Album Description
Hot pants make a comeback in the graphics for this recording of Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber's Mystery Sonatas, a cycle of connected violin works that collectively depict the Passion of Jesus Christ and the Ascension of Mary. These are fearsomely virtuosic works that demand the retuning of the violin for each sonata; violinist Amandine Beyer, sparsely accompanied by her Gli Incogniti group in continuo settings, like most violinists, uses several violins. The Sonata No. 10 in G minor, representing the Crucifixion, even requires the player to symbolically cross the two central strings of the violin. In the general run of performances, the Mystery Sonatas seem part of the dramatic, irregular, expressive 17th century (they were composed around 1675). The hot pants may thus seem an unusual choice, but looked at another way, so was Biber's choice of French dance rhythms for much of the material. Beyer, who conceived this performance in conjunction with a dance presentation, takes the music in a new direction, emphasizing these dance rhythms in a bright, lively performance. This pushes the music in the direction of Bach, in whose music, the interpenetration of sacred and secular is often the entire point. Beyer's readings of Biber's individual movements are strongly characterized; the music is not a blow-by-blow representation of events, but in her hands, it is vivid enough, and there is no question that she has the technical chops to handle the music's challenges. This is an unusually compelling and engaging set of Mystery Sonatas, brilliantly performed, and it hit classical best-seller charts in early 2023.
© James Manheim /TiVo
About the album
- 2 disc(s) - 46 track(s)
- Total length: 01:45:30
- Main artists: Gli Incogniti Amandine Beyer
- Composer: Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber
- Label: harmonia mundi
- Genre: Classical
-
24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo
2023 harmonia mundi 2023 harmonia mundi
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