Composer

:

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1668 - 1670

Average_duration

:

12:48

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber's Sonata for violin & continuo in C minor, C. 107, is a Baroque-era composition that was likely composed in the late 17th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written sometime between 1670 and 1690. The sonata is one of Biber's most famous works and is known for its virtuosic violin writing and expressive use of harmony. The sonata is comprised of four movements: Preludio, Allemande, Sarabande, and Gigue. The Preludio is a fast and lively movement that showcases the violinist's technical abilities with its rapid runs and arpeggios. The Allemande is a more subdued movement that features a slower tempo and a more lyrical melody. The Sarabande is a slow and stately dance that is characterized by its use of suspensions and dissonances. The final movement, Gigue, is a fast and lively dance that brings the sonata to a thrilling conclusion. One of the most notable characteristics of the sonata is its use of scordatura tuning. In this tuning, the violinist tunes the strings of the violin to a different pitch than the standard tuning. In the case of this sonata, the violinist tunes the A string down to a G, which allows for a wider range of notes and more expressive possibilities. The sonata also features a continuo part, which is typically played on a harpsichord or organ and provides a harmonic foundation for the violinist to play over. The Sonata for violin & continuo in C minor, C. 107, was likely premiered in a court or church setting, where Biber was employed as a musician. The sonata would have been performed by Biber himself on the violin, accompanied by a harpsichord or organ player. Today, the sonata remains a popular work in the violin repertoire and is frequently performed and recorded by modern musicians.

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