Composer

:

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Sonata

Compose Date

:

1681

Publication Date

:

1681

Average_duration

:

8:47

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber's Sonata for violin & continuo No. 2 in D minor, C. 139, is a Baroque-era composition that 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 is one of Biber's most famous works and is known for its virtuosic violin writing and its use of scordatura tuning. 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. The Allemande is a slower, more contemplative movement that features 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, the 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. Scordatura is a technique in which the strings of the violin are tuned to a different pitch than their usual tuning. In this sonata, the violin is tuned to D-A-D-F# instead of the usual G-D-A-E. This allows the violinist to play certain passages with greater ease and also creates a unique sound that is characteristic of Biber's music. The Sonata for violin & continuo No. 2 in D minor, C. 139, premiered during Biber's lifetime and was likely performed by the composer himself. Today, it is a popular piece in the violin repertoire and is often performed and recorded by modern-day violinists. Its virtuosic writing and unique use of scordatura tuning make it a challenging and rewarding piece for performers and a beloved work for audiences.

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