Biber: The Annunciation (Mystery Sonatas), Cynthia Miller Freivogel, baroque violin, Voices of Music

The Annunciation begins the set of sonatas known as the Mystery or Rosary sonatas by Heinrich Biber, the legendary violinist of the 17th century. 8K video from our Musica Transalpina concert by the award winning Early Music ensemble Voices of Music. This work is presented here for the first time on period instruments in 8K.
Biber marks marks six movements for this sonata in the original manuscript: Praeludium, Variatio, Aria Allegro, Variatio, Adagio, Finale. The 2nd movement, Variatio, is presumably an instruction for the organ to play a solo. There is also an apparent unmarked movement after the adagio that has some of the character of the subsequent finale but is in fact a variation of the harmonies of the Adagio, so we have added (Variatio) in the cues; however, the Finale must be a separate movement as the B Flat is signed very clearly for a key change. This makes a total of seven, possibly foreshadowing the stations of the cross or the seven last words.
Each movement has it's own texture. in keeping with Biber's style. The opening Prelude has a dark and stormy figuration, this is followed by a short organ solo, then a clear and present march marked aria with a set of variations. A serene Adagio (also like an aria) is presented with its own variations. The variations keep the harmony and bassline, but form a bridge in the solo part to the Finale.The Finale also echoes the drama of the opening Prelude. Although there is no program listed, the stylized movements of Biber's sonatas lean towards the style of the programmatic Battalia or Corelli's Christmas Concerto.
Voices of Music
Hanneke van Proosdij & David Tayler, directors
Cynthia Miller Freivogel, baroque violin, Elisabeth Reed, baroque cello, Hanneke van Proosdij, baroque organ, David Tayler, archlute.
Audio engineer & ambisonics: Boby Borisov
Video director: Lloyd Hryciw
Video: Rob Clevenger
Produced by Augusta McKay Lodge, Hanneke van Proosdij & David Tayler
Post Production: David Tayler & Andrew Levy
Audio mastering, video cutting and final 8K color and render: David Tayler
Notes: David Tayler
Copyright 2024 Voices of Music
0:00 Praeludium
2:11 Variatio (organ solo)
2:22 Aria Allegro
2:42 Variatio
3:12 Adagio
4:01 (Variatio)
4:30 Finale
#annunciation