Composer

:

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1680

Publication Date

:

1680

Average_duration

:

47:36

Movement_count

:

38

Movement ....

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber's 'Mensa Sonora seu Musica Instrumentalis' is a collection of six sonatas for various instrumental combinations. The collection was composed in the late 17th century and premiered in Salzburg, Austria in 1680. The six sonatas are each composed for a different instrumental combination, including two violins and continuo, violin and viola da gamba, two violins and viola da gamba, two violins and two violas da gamba, two violins and two trumpets, and two violins, two violas, and continuo. The first sonata, for two violins and continuo, is in four movements and features virtuosic violin writing and lively dance rhythms. The second sonata, for violin and viola da gamba, is in three movements and showcases the expressive capabilities of the viola da gamba. The third sonata, for two violins and viola da gamba, is in four movements and features intricate counterpoint and imitative writing. The fourth sonata, for two violins and two violas da gamba, is in six movements and is notable for its use of scordatura tuning, where the strings of the instruments are tuned differently than usual. The fifth sonata, for two violins and two trumpets, is in four movements and features bold and triumphant writing for the brass instruments. The final sonata, for two violins, two violas, and continuo, is in six movements and is the most complex of the collection. It features intricate counterpoint and a wide range of textures and moods, from lively dance rhythms to contemplative adagios. Overall, 'Mensa Sonora seu Musica Instrumentalis' is a diverse and virtuosic collection of sonatas that showcases Biber's skill as a composer and his ability to write for a wide range of instrumental combinations.

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