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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
29 of 30 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I bought this disc after hearing some of the pieces played on a graduation recital four years ago. These sonatas are some of the most gorgeous music I have ever heard. It is a pity that these pieces are not played more often as they are extremely original and a pleasure to listen to again and again. Biber uses extensive scordatura (alternate string tuning) and radical changes in harmony for the time in which he was writing. Baroque music is lovely but it can sometimes sound too formulaic and rather unengaging after a while. Even though you hear the same bass line throughout the pieces, Biber has my attention the entire time.
Although it is not necessary to be familiar with the Mysteries to enjoy the music, a listen through with the liner notes will reveal another dimension to the work. The music representing Jesus as he hangs on the cross is violent and shocking even though the sonata is completely tonal. Truly brilliant writing.
The recording quality is impeccable as the microphone placement makes the performers sound like they are right beside you.
You'll not be disappointed with this purchase.
30 of 32 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This has been the first Biber recording I've bought, but I doubt if it will be the last. I wasn't entirely sure of who he was, when he was, or what his status in the great musical scheme of things was. I did some exploration but I still hadn't heard any of his works until I placed this in my CD player. My only regret so far is that I hadn't taken the gamble earlier. Sometimes you just get a good feel about a chance purchase and this has lived up to my expectations. The music appears to have been written with strong Christian conviction and inspiration, but this shouldn't dissuade listeners from other religions (or atheists!) from enjoying these pieces. Here we have baroque music to stand with the finest. If you like Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, then take a leap if you haven't heard this music before. You won't be disappointed. Oh and I haven't mentioned the performances. Which perhaps says everything. They are crystal-clear recordings of fine musicians. They allow the music to come to you without artifice or mannerisms, and to convince you that this is how Biber himself might have imagined it. Excellent.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This works on many levels and is a superlative buy on every one of them. Biber's work for the violin is incredible - the beauty, complexity, uniqueness (he re-tuned the violin to get the range of sound he wanted) is captaviating and a joy. But then with this work he achieved something else. This is a musical representation of the life of Christ, and manages to both describe the episodes with sound, and feed the profound contemplation of the depth and meaning of what each means. If you are a believer this would be a transformational experience. But if like me you are not, it still carries an awe-inspiring impact and beauty. I can only compare it to, say, looking at the greatest paintings of the same subjects. The 'Annunciation' is almost scary in its brilliance: want to experience what it would be like to be in the room with an Angel? You can almost hear the words and hear the fluttering of wings. Take a look at Fra Angelico's paintings of the same scene and you'll get a feel for how this music can move you in the same way. The arrangement and backing instruments are spot on, the musicianship incredible, and the sound quality/production top-notch. I cannot rate this highly enough.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
why have they hidden biber ?
our national parliament has it's own tv channel and in the mornings, before the sessions begin, they play classical music. Read more
Published 5 months ago by victor's voice
I've Got Biber Fever
I recently overheard some teenage girls talking about having Biber fever, and having just listened to the Passacaglia played on Radio 3, I can fully understand their enthusiasm for... Read more
Published 9 months ago by James I
A Classic Masterpiece.
Biber, to my mind at least, is a hidden treasure. This lovely album, coupled with further Sonatas on ECM, comprises some of the loveliest violin sonatas I've ever discovered. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Sentinel
Biber's Magical Mystery Tour of the Rosary
The reviews on here have caught the mood and individuality of these exceptional sonatas perfectly.
The recording is second to none: the playing - on exquisitely handled... Read more
The recording is second to none: the playing - on exquisitely handled... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Green Knight
draws you in
I'm adding my endorsement (for what it is worth) to this record. I am no expert in this repertoire and am also not given to meditative moods. Read more
Published 18 months ago by enthusiast
wonderful, unfamiliar, beautifully played - and very generous
Yes, as other reviewers have indicated, these are marvellous discs of music which is not well known but very, very rewarding. Read more
Published on 20 Dec 2009 by Mr. Ian A. Macfarlane
Addictive!
In all my years of exploring and enjoying classical music I had never come across Biber or his music - thankfully this situation has now been rectified! Read more
Published on 6 July 2008 by PattyMac
How have I missed this
How have I missed this great music before this CD came through my letter box I don't know. I heard the end of Passagalia by Biber on the radio and thought that it was good, but now... Read more
Published on 13 Aug 2006 by Mr. P. J. Maries
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