Composer

:

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Sonata

Compose Date

:

1683

Publication Date

:

1683

Average_duration

:

5:52

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber's Sonata for 2 violins, 2 violas & continuo No. 4 in G minor, C. 81, also known as the "Fidicinium Sacro-Profanum," is a Baroque instrumental work composed in the late 17th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written between 1683 and 1690. The sonata is one of Biber's most famous works and is known for its virtuosic writing and innovative use of scordatura tuning. The sonata is divided into eight movements, each with its own unique character and style. The first movement, marked "Praeludium," is a lively and energetic introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the work. The second movement, "Allamanda," is a stately dance in triple meter that features intricate counterpoint and virtuosic violin writing. The third movement, "Courante," is a fast-paced dance in duple meter that showcases the violas and continuo. The fourth movement, "Sarabanda," is a slow and mournful dance in triple meter that features expressive violin solos. The fifth movement, "Gavotte," is a lively dance in duple meter that features playful interplay between the violins and violas. The sixth movement, "Bourrée," is a fast-paced dance in duple meter that features virtuosic violin writing and intricate counterpoint. The seventh movement, "Gigue," is a lively dance in compound meter that features fast and intricate violin and viola writing. The final movement, "Ciacona," is a set of variations on a repeating bass line that features virtuosic violin solos and intricate counterpoint. One of the most notable characteristics of the sonata is Biber's use of scordatura tuning, which involves tuning the strings of the violins and violas to different pitches than their standard tuning. This allows for a wider range of notes and harmonies and creates a unique and distinctive sound. Biber also employs a variety of techniques such as double stops, trills, and arpeggios to create a virtuosic and expressive work. The Sonata for 2 violins, 2 violas & continuo No. 4 in G minor, C. 81 was premiered during Biber's lifetime and was likely performed in the court of the Archbishop of Salzburg, where Biber was employed as a court musician. The sonata remains a popular and influential work in the Baroque repertoire and is often performed and recorded by modern ensembles.

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