Biber's Rosary Sonatas (1674)

Geremia

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Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber (1644-1704) was an Austrian Catholic composer, father of 11 children, and member of a rosary confraternity. He composed his 15 Rosary Sonatas (Rosencrantz Sonaten) in 1674:

Rachel Podger's recording won the 2016 Gramophone Award for best Barque Instrumental recording.

The final piece, the passacaglia, is a sort of precursor to Bach's famous Chaconne (of BWV 1004), as Biber's is based off a sacred hymn (of the Guardian Angel, Einen Engel Gott mir geben), much as Bach's was based off a sacred German hymn (cf. the Hilliard's Ensemble's juxtaposition of the Chaconne with the German hymn that allegedly inspired Bach).

Biber's Rosary Sonatas employ scordatura, even twisting the 2nd and 3rd strings beyond the bridge (in the Resurrection movement):

See the book of violinist Lina Tur Bonet's recording of the Mystery (Rosary) Sonatas for all the theological and musical thought Biber put into the Rosary Sonatas.

Steve Collins

We have a choir member who used to play and teach violin. We performed a couple of these, or at least movements thereof, some years ago. They are very interesting, and pretty difficult for most violinists, but they are beautiful. One of the neat effects is when two strings are played, each with different notes fingered, but sounding the same note - that note is quite strengthened.

music123

I performed one of these for a recital a few years ago. I had never used scordatura before and I have perfect pitch, so honestly I have no idea how I did it. But it was very interesting and effective!!!

Geremia

Happy feast of the Most Holy Rosary!

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