Composer

:

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Sonata

Compose Date

:

1676

Publication Date

:

1905

Average_duration

:

8:22

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber's 'Mystery Sonata No. 10 in G minor The Crucifixion, C. 99' is a composition for solo violin and continuo. It is part of a collection of 15 sonatas known as the 'Rosary Sonatas' or 'Mystery Sonatas', which were composed in the mid-17th century. The sonatas are named after the mysteries of the Rosary, a series of events in the life of Jesus and Mary that are meditated upon by Catholics. The 'Mystery Sonata No. 10 in G minor The Crucifixion, C. 99' is believed to have been composed around 1676. It was premiered in Salzburg, where Biber was employed as a court musician. The sonata is divided into four movements: Sonata, Allamanda, Aria, and Gigue. The first movement is in a slow tempo and is marked by a mournful melody that is reminiscent of a lament. The second movement is a dance in triple meter, while the third movement is a lyrical aria that features a virtuosic violin solo. The final movement is a lively gigue that brings the sonata to a joyful conclusion. The 'Mystery Sonata No. 10 in G minor The Crucifixion, C. 99' is notable for its use of scordatura tuning, a technique in which the strings of the violin are tuned to a different pitch than usual. In this sonata, the violinist is instructed to tune the G string down to an F, which creates a darker, more somber sound. The sonata also features a number of unusual techniques, such as left-hand pizzicato and col legno (striking the strings with the wood of the bow). Overall, the 'Mystery Sonata No. 10 in G minor The Crucifixion, C. 99' is a powerful and emotional work that reflects Biber's deep religious faith. Its use of scordatura tuning and unusual techniques make it a challenging piece for violinists to perform, but also give it a unique and distinctive sound.

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