Composer

:

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Sonata: Chamber

Compose Date

:

1683

Publication Date

:

1683

Average_duration

:

5:40

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber's Sonata for violin, 2 violas & continuo No. 11 in C minor, C. 88, also known as the "Crucifixion Sonata," was composed in the late 17th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written between 1676 and 1681. The sonata was premiered in Salzburg, Austria, where Biber was employed as the court musician for the Archbishop. The sonata consists of four movements, each of which is based on a different aspect of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The first movement, titled "Scourging," is a fast and intense piece that represents the beating and whipping of Jesus before his crucifixion. The second movement, "The Crown of Thorns," is a slower and more contemplative piece that represents the placing of the crown of thorns on Jesus' head. The third movement, "The Lamentation," is a mournful and sorrowful piece that represents the mourning of Jesus' followers after his death. The final movement, "The Resurrection," is a joyful and triumphant piece that represents the resurrection of Jesus. The sonata is notable for its use of scordatura tuning, which involves tuning the strings of the violin and violas to different pitches than their standard tuning. This allows for a wider range of notes and harmonies to be played, and gives the sonata a unique and distinctive sound. The sonata also features virtuosic passages for the violin and violas, as well as intricate counterpoint and harmonies in the continuo part. Overall, Biber's Sonata for violin, 2 violas & continuo No. 11 in C minor, C. 88 is a powerful and expressive work that showcases the composer's skill and creativity. Its use of scordatura tuning and its thematic focus on the crucifixion of Jesus make it a unique and memorable piece in the Baroque repertoire.

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