John Toll)

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
Andrew Manze is, in my opinion, one of the finest contemporary violinists, and his playing of this fiendishly brilliant and difficult music will simply amaze you. Biber was unquestionably the greatest violinist of the 17th century; his sonatas and other solo works were the most technically difficult. But they are also the most wonderful fun to listen to--the famous Sonata Representativa has the player imitating all manner of animal noises and other things. It's hilarious, gorgeous, and it's never been performed better. If this isn't quite simply the best record of Baroque violin music ever made, then I don't know what is. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Good record in ecomonic price.......2007-07-19

This CD is 2 CDs in one price, however, that's not good enought that I recommand it, the more important is that Manze had gotten good appreciation when individual record released, so we could listen his beautiful music with lower price.
As to the list of these collection, the major composer isn't shown of Castello, but Schmelzer, you could view its comments from other reviewers. I would add more coment from comparied with Manze and Holloway. The former is good of violin technique and fluent; the latter is that put more expressive with emotion on it. They all works perfect, not esay to compare. If you ever liked or listen one of them, I recommand you try both of.

Johann Heinrich Schmelzer: Violin Sonatas

Average customer rating:

Not your typical Baroque Sonatas
most melodious violin sonatas I have ever heard
Manze at his best
Double Bonus
Wonderful, scholarly rendition

Johann Heinrich Schmelzer: Violin Sonatas

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Biber: Violin Sonatas
Uccellini - Sonatas / Romanesca - Manze · North · Toll
Biber: The Rosary Sonatas
Telemann: Twelve Fantasias for Violin Solo; Gulliver Suite for Two Violins
Tartini: The Devil's Sonata / Andrew Manze

ASIN: B0000007ES
Release Date: 1996-09-17

Tracks:

Sonata IV, From Sonatoe unarum fidium, 1664
Sonata V, From Sonatoe unarum fidium
Sonata VI, From Sonatoe unarum fidium
Sonata, 'Cucu'
Sonata, 'Victori der Christen': Der Turken Anmarsch
Sonata, 'Victori der Christen': Der Turken Belaegerung der Stadt Wien
Sonata, 'Victori der Christen': Der Turken sturmen
Sonata, 'Victori der Christen': Anmarsch der Christen
Sonata, 'Victori der Christen': Treffen der Christen
Sonata, 'Victori der Christen': Durchgang der Turnke
Sonata, 'Victori der Christen': Victori der Christen
Sonata I, From Sonatoe unarum fidium
Sonata II, From Sonatoe unarum fidium
Sonata III, From Sonatoe unarum fidium

Customer Reviews:

Not your typical Baroque Sonatas.......2005-10-18

The sonatas here are equisite and musically-rich compositions and possibly the very first (1664) solo violin + continuo sonatas ever published. Additionally, this recording is one of the finer recordings from Baroque specialist Andrew Manze & Romanesca in my opinion. Right from the opening piece, one's senses are immediately captived by Manze's soaring runs against the fine continuo and the gorgeous sound ambiance of the recording. Romanesca's performance here on the whole are outstanding as is Andrew Manze's for his more consistent intonation, expressive melodies and trademark intricate, precise and rhythmic playing.

A highlight of this disc surely is the haughtingly beautiful opening Sonata IV (1664), which immediately creates a sense of allure and a drama to unfold - and it does most splendidly with poinant, melancholic adagios that turn into molto-presto displays of gypsy-like rhythmic attack and virtuostic brilliance from Mr. Manze. This sonata is just one of the many beautiful works on this CD - and may be one of finest expressive pieces of music Manze has recorded. These are not your typical or monotanous Baroque sonatas (as Baroque ones can be) but possess an intricant, somewhat-experimental and highly emotive expression that was sought after by composers in this period of history where virtuosity reigned. Each one is musically different and rewarding. It is music that grows on you - rather than wearing on you - with frequent listening.

Baroque master Andrew Manze brings much to this music which was intended only for the most advanced of musicians. Undoubtedly, his technical prowness shines the most with his strong rhythmic sense, percussive textures and crisply-articulated bowing in the fast parts - all of which create great excitement and drama. His demisemiquaver scalar runs in the "passionate outbursts" are about as effortless and smooth as you can hear anywhere. As compared to some of his other music, Mr. Manze here better succeeds with Schmelzer to find more of the "heart" of the slower, lyrically-expressive movements. His soaring riffs in Sonatas I, II, III and IV exude tangible passion and are some of his most "Italianesque" playing I have heard. (Schmelzer, like his predicessor Biber, wrote much music with Italian style and virtuoso players in mind.)

If there is a lackluster momement on the CD for me, it was the adaptation of Biber's tenth "Rosary Sonata" which was not as attractive as the Schmelzer pieces to my ears. Here, Mr. Manze does not quite find a smooth, graceful, lyrical expression in the adagio tempos (and a few other momements in the other sonatas) and sounds slightly more strained in tone and somewhat emotionally awkward at times (track #11 for example). But, to most people, this seems not an issue or a cited weakness in Manze's playing. Regardless, this is not too consequential overall as the magnificant compositions and suspenseful progression of the music as a whole override any such 'flat' moments to some ears.

And let's not forget to fully recognize the humble - yet critical - continuo playing from Nigel North and John Toll here. Their skillful and well-judged style creates a most effective backdrop to spotlight Manze's melody lines. Their instruments sound marvelous and are captured in a perfect balance with a superb sound quality from HM. The tastefully-resonant sound ambiance I think is just right to bring out the beauty, enchantment and emotional depth of this music. It is one of the better-sounding recordings I have.

This music is a fresh change from the typical Baroque-style music that can start to sound too much the same after a while (Vivaldi for one). And as many other reviewers here note, this is a most attractive recording featuring some of the Baroque-era's more intriguing violin-sonata compositions as well as some of Andrew Manze's more alluring and musically-opulant playing. Rating: Composition 5, Performance 4.5, Sound quality 5.

most melodious violin sonatas I have ever heard.......2005-05-11

these days I am just suffering;however, luckily I have this CD as my companion. It gives me a lot of pleasure and soothes my troubled mind. Highly recommended. You will not regret buying this CD. Believe me.

Manze at his best.......2003-10-10

As a violin fanatic, I was very anxious to get my hands on this CD! However, I was not expecting it to be as wonderful as it is! Manze's intonation and technique are flawless, as always, and his up-beat tempos in the fast sections make what the entire concert exciting. The slow movements are played with care and not "astringent" like some other period-instrument performances I have heard. Manze is not the only star on this recording: the entire Romanesca Ensemble is superb in balance and technique. Since I love Biber's Rosenkranz Sontatas, I was happy to see the arrangment on this disc. Schmelzer seems to pick up right where Biber left off, giving the sonata a fun and exhilerating Turkish concept. Here's to yet another disc that beautifully introduces us to a virtually unknown Baroque composer! Highly recommended.

Double Bonus.......2002-01-26

Recently I discovered Biber's Violin Sonatas performed by Romanesca. I was so impressed with that CD, I decided to find out what else Andrew and his friends had been up to. That is when I discovered this CD. This has turned out to be a double bonus. Not only is the performance by Romanesca outstanding, but also I found Schmelzer to be quite intriguing. Everything the previous reviewers have said is absolutely true. Schmelzer is beautiful, lyrical, haunting, and yes he does fall into the Godiva category. To quantify this, this is the perfect morning CD if you are looking to be eased into your day as opposed to breaking into it with Vivaldi. It's also the perfect CD to unwind with after a stressful day. It's so emotional you can't help but be pulled out of your universe forgetting all your daytime woes.

Wonderful, scholarly rendition.......2001-08-25

This is a wonderful recording! Scholarly performance, beautifully rendered. This has quickly become one of my favourite early music recordings of all time. This is a great ensemble. I love the twang of the theorbo, especially the 'growl-twang' of the low notes when they're plucked hard. The theorbo is just a neat instrument, period. I'd be thrilled to play a harpsichord that sounds like this one. The continuo organ is a little gem. Vibrato on the violin is rare, sprinkled very judiciously as ornamentation only (the way it should be). On a scale of Hershey's to Godiva, this recording is way on the Godiva end! CAUTION: This is not schmaltzy classical music. It is unsuitable for the blue-haired.

H.I.F. Biber: Violin Sonatas - Romanesca (Andrew Manze / Nigel North / John Toll)

Average customer rating:

A matter of taste...
An Academic Performance
The best by the best
Hats off to Romanesca
Hats off to Romanesca

H.I.F. Biber: Violin Sonatas - Romanesca (Andrew Manze / Nigel North / John Toll)
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber , Andrew Manze (Baroque Violin) , Nigel North (Lute & Theorbo) , John Toll (Harpsichord & Organ) , and Romanesca
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Pandolfi: Complete Violin Sonatas
Biber: The Rosary Sonatas
Biber: Violin Sonatas
Biber: Unam Ceylum /Holloway * Assenbaum * Mortensen
Violin Sonatas Op 5

ASIN: B0000007EN
Release Date: 1994-10-25

Tracks:

Sonata 1: Sonata 1 : I (Praeludium) Presto
Sonata 1: Sonata 1 : II Variatio - Finale
Sonata 2: Sonata 2 : (Praeludium) Aria e Variatio - Finale
Sonata 3: Sonata 3 : I (Praeludium) - Aria e Variatio
Sonata 3: Sonata 3 : II Variatio
Sonata 4: Sonata 4 : I (Sonata) - Gigue
Sonata 4: Sonata 4 : II Adagio - Aria e Variatio - Finale
Passacaglia For Solo Lute
I. Allegro
Sonata Representativa: II. Nachtigal (Nightingale)
Sonata Representativa: III. CuCu (Cuckoo)
Sonata Representativa: IV. Fresch (Frog)
Sonata Representativa: V. Die Henn & Der Hann (Cock & Hen)
Sonata Representativa: VI. Die Wachtel (Quail)
Sonata Representativa: VII. Die Katz (Cat)
Sonata Representativa: VIII. Musqetit Mars (Musketeer's March)
Sonata Representativa: IX. Allemande

Tracks:

Sonata V: (Praeludium)
Sonata V: Variatio/Presto
Sonata V: Aria e Variatio
Sonata VI: (Sonata) Passacagli
Sonata VI: Gavotte-(Finale)
Sonata VII: (Sonata) Aria
Sonata VII: Adagio-Ciacona
Sonata VIII: a Violino Solo: (Sonata) - Aria - Sarabanda
Sonata VIII: Allegro-(Gigue)
Sonata 'La Pastorella'
Passacaglia For Solo Violin

Amazon.com essential recording

Andrew Manze is, in my opinion, one of the finest contemporary violinists, and his playing of this fiendishly brilliant and difficult music will simply amaze you. Biber was unquestionably the greatest violinist of the 17th century; his sonatas and other solo works were the most technically difficult. But they are also the most wonderful fun to listen to--the famous Sonata Representativa has the player imitating all manner of animal noises and other things. It's hilarious, gorgeous, and it's never been performed better. If this isn't quite simply the best record of Baroque violin music ever made, then I don't know what is. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

A matter of taste..........2006-02-08

While some argue over Souther European/Italian style performance versus Northern/German performances, the truth is that we don't definitively know how music in this period was performed. None the less, Manze and Romanesca's performance of these sonatas, and in particular, the Sonata Representativa is engaging from beginning to end. Perhaps the best known recording of this sonata, other than this one, is the performance of Reinhard Goebel and the Musica Antiqua of Köln. Both performances are outstanding. A few key differences define them. Manze makes use of a diverse continuo: harpsichord, organ and archlute; while Goebel employs organ alone. The obvious acoustical differences also come into play; Musica Antiqua's studio-polished acoustics, versus the as-is stone chamber reverb of Romanesca's. The overall effect is that the Manze performance is brave and bold while the Goebel performance is more elegant and delicate. In the end, it is a matter of taste as to whether one prefers a particular style of performance over another. I own copies of both these recordings and would not claim one is better than the other. They are simply different.

An Academic Performance.......2005-10-09

This performance represents a common problem with many academic and traditional Baroque chamber groups who focus more on technique rather than the lyricism of the piece: painful screeches and abrubt changes in pace that have no mood or expression to effectuate a technical execution demanded more by Bach than by Biber. It's enough to give many a big migraine as if someone's nails just scratched the blackboard. This is certainly not one of the group's worst performances in this genre but their performance here is far from perfect.

Franz Ignaz Biber was Kappelmeister to the Arch-bishop of Salzburg for most of his life and was trained in the Catholic/Italian musical tradition. He was a very innovative violin composer with the traditional Baroque violin and many of his sonatas are in strange keys requiring a lot of lyrical expressionism which Manze lacks as a performer. Manze and Romanesca are talented musicians but they tend to approach their interpretations very academically and such over-emphasis in technique kills the passion of something in the nature of a lyrical sonata such as these works here. Such techniques tend to work better with Protestant German Baroque solo violin arrangements such as Bach's violin partitas and sonatas that are technically demanding and more methodical in actual performance. The Catholic tradition is more more expressive with solo violin pieces especially lyrical pieces and Manze is simply not a very impressive performer for this style as he simply puts more method than passion into his performance when the piece actually demands the exact opposite. Manze and Romanesca are methodical traditionalists and tend to overperform or accentuate even more on certain Baroque techniques that were either not as prevalent in the Italian style or upon pieces of whose composers such as Vivaldi and Biber were not really traditionalists themselves in strictly applying the conventions of their time. These performances require a very fluid technique of expression that Manze simply lacks as a violinist for this particular style. Compare Goebel's/Musika Antiqua Koln's passionate expression in their rendition for Biber's 'Mystery Sonatas' such as the final Passacaglia to Manze's with Romanesca and you will hear the difference and which is superior.

Generally for such performances I prefer Musica Antiqua Koln who specialize in the Catholic German Baroque tradition as opposed to other groups such as The Academy of St. Martin or Raymond Leppard who specialize in either traditional or romantic interpretations of the more familiar Protestant Baroque tradition of Bach and Handel.

The best by the best.......2003-01-29

Biber is the finest German composer between Schutz and Bach. In fact, since discovering Biber, I've found that Bach gets a little difficult to listen to. Among other things, Biber was one of the greatest--perhaps the greatest--violin virtuosi of the 17th century. (Charles Burney among others was of that opinion.) These sonatas are transcendant. I first heard about 10 seconds of the first track of this recording on NPR and immediately had to buy it.

Andrew Manze is probably the finest violinist in the world, and has the incredible good taste to specialize in 17th and 18th century music. Every one of his recordings (I have about 20) is wonderful.

This recording is a must.

Hats off to Romanesca.......2001-02-07

If I can only take one Baroque recording to a deserted island, this would be it. My favorite track in this 2-CD set is track 2 on CD#1. I must have played this track for hundreds of times in my car during the past year and a half. I have never gotten tired of listening to it and doubt I ever will. I have another recording (a 1994 recording with violinist Marianne Ronez of Switzerland) of these Biber sonatas from Cavalli Records and it sounds no where as impressive as Romanesca's.

Hats off to Romanesca.......2001-02-07

If I can only take one Baroque recording to a deserted island, this would be it. My favorite track in this 2-CD set is track 2 on CD#1. I must have played this track hundreds of times in my car during the past year and a half. I have never gotten tired of listening to it and doubt I ever will. I have another recording (a 1994 recording with violinist Marianne Ronez of Switzerland) of these Biber sonatas from Cavalli Records and it sounds no where as impressive as Romanesca's.

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

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