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Background:

• A collection of 15 short sonatas for violin and continuo, with a final passacaglia for solo violin. Instead of a title, each sonata has a copper-engraved vignetter related to the Rosary practice, and possibly to the Feast of the Guardian Angels.
• Completed around 1676, they were unknown until their publication in 1905.
• The work is prized for its vituosic vocal style, scordatura tunings, and programmatic structure. Some of Biber’s violin techniques were ahead of his time.

Recordings:

• Mystery Sonatas.
  Amandine Beyer (violin).
  Gli Incogniti.
  Harmonia Mundi.
  Gramophone Magazine (2023): Critics’ Choice.
  International Classical Music Awards (2024): Nominated Baroque Instrumental.

• Mystery Sonatas.
  Mayumi Hirasaki (violin), Michael Freimuth, Christine Schornsheim (early keyboard instruments), Johannes Loescher, Jan Freiheit .
  Passacaille.

• The Rosary Sonatas.
  Andrew Manze (violin), Richard Egarr (organ and harpsichord), Alison McGillivray (cello Sonata XII).
  Harmonia Mundi.
  Radio 3 Building a Library (2004): First Choice.
  Gramophone Awards (2005): Winner Baroque Instrumental.

• Rosenkrantz Sonaten.
  Sirkka-Liisa Kaakinen-Pilch (violin).
  Battalia.
  Ondine.
  Gramophone Magazine (2014): Editor’s Choice.
  Presto Recordings of the Year (2014): Finalist.

• Rosary Sonatas.
  Rachel Podger (violin), Marcin Świątkiewicz (harpsichord/organ), Jonathan Manson (cello/viola da gamba), David Miller (theorbo/archlute).
  Channel Classics.
  Presto Recordings of the Year(2015): Finalist.
  Gramophone Awards (2016): Winner Baroque Instrumental.

About Coram Deo

Coram Deo — before the face of God. This blog reflects on Scripture, world events, science, music, psychology, and the human mind — always through the lens of Christian faith. All of life is lived before the face of God.