Biber, Schmelzer: Sonatas

1. Sonata tam Aris à 8, for 2 trumpets, 2 violins, 2 violas & continuo No. 1 in C major (Sonatae No. 1), C. 114
Composed by Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber
with Freiburg Baroque Orchestra

2. Sonata tam Aris à 5, for 2 violins, 2 violas & continuo No. 6 in F major (Sonatae No. 6), C. 119
Composed by Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber
with Freiburg Baroque Orchestra

3. Sonata tam Aris à 5, for trumpet, violin, 2 violas & continuo No. 4 in C major (Sonatae No. 4), C. 117
Composed by Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber
with Freiburg Baroque Orchestra

4. Sonata a tre con organo et violone in B minor
Composed by Johann Heinrich Schmelzer
with Freiburg Baroque Orchestra

5. Sonata a due con Basso continuo in A minor
Composed by Johann Heinrich Schmelzer
with Freiburg Baroque Orchestra

6. Sonata for 2 violins, viola & continuo in B "On the Death of Ferdinandi III"
Composed by Johann Heinrich Schmelzer
with Freiburg Baroque Orchestra

7. Sonata tam Aris à 5, for 2 violins, 2 violas & continuo No. 8 in G major (Sonatae No. 8), C. 123
Composed by Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber
with Freiburg Baroque Orchestra

8. Sonata tam Aris à 5, for trumpet, violin, 2 violas & continuo No. 10 in G minor (Sonatae No. 10), C. 123
Composed by Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber
with Freiburg Baroque Orchestra

9. Sonata tam Aris à 5, for 2 trumpets, 2 violins & continuo No. 7 in G major (Sonatae tam Aris No. 7), C. 120
Composed by Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber
with Freiburg Baroque Orchestra

10. Sonata a due con basso continuo in D minor
Composed by Johann Heinrich Schmelzer
with Freiburg Baroque Orchestra

11. Lamento a tre con basso continuo in B flat major
Composed by Johann Heinrich Schmelzer
with Freiburg Baroque Orchestra

12. Harmonia a cinque con basso continuo in B flat major
Composed by Johann Heinrich Schmelzer
with Freiburg Baroque Orchestra

13. Sonata tam Aris à 8, for 2 trumpets, 2 violins, 2 violas & continuo No. 12 in C major (Sonatae No. 12), C. 125
Composed by Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber
with Freiburg Baroque Orchestra

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

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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.

Biber: Missa Alleluja * Schmelzer: Vesperae Sollennes /Gradus ad Parnassum * Junghanel

Average customer rating:

Beautifully performed, beautiful sound

Biber: Missa Alleluja * Schmelzer: Vesperae Sollennes /Gradus ad Parnassum * Junghanel
Gradus ad Parnassum , and Choralschola der Weiner Hofburgkapelle
Manufacturer: Deutsche Harmonia Mundi / BMG
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001TYM
Release Date: 1995-03-14

Customer Reviews:

Beautifully performed, beautiful sound.......2007-02-10

I have copies of the original parts for the "Missa Allelujah à 36 voci" and the "Vesperæ sollennes", so I bought this recording with great interest some years ago. I was not disappointed. The works are performed with great style and I very much like the cathedral acoustical environment used for this recording. Cornetti, sackbuts, clarini, Baroque strings and organs all sound much better together when heard in a cathedral.

The voices and instruments blend beautifully, of course, and Biber and Schmelzer cause me to lament the introduction of transverse flutes, oboes and bassoons into Northern European ensembles very late in the 17th century. The sound of cornetts, trombones, trumpets, strings and dulcian was special and very refined.

A number of instrumental works are performed on this CD, the Schmelzer sonata for 2 clarini, 2 cornettini and 3 trombones is particularly beautiful. Some plain chant and some other vocal works appear here, too.

Gradus Ad Parnassum seems to be something of a "put-together" ensemble, consisting of a number of soloists and musicians from other ensembles. Concerto Palatino is given credit for providing the cornettists and trombonists.

The recording was made at Chor-ton (Kornett-ton] pitch, circa a' = 466 Hz (a semitone higher than modern concert pitch, a' = 440 Hz), and this results in very bright sounds from the cornetti and brass and quite pungent sounds from the strings.

The Mass by Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber is glorious, of course, and makes much use of polychoral affects and effects. Yet, Biber makes the music much more interesting by bringing the music down to very intimate levels at times. The Vesperæ by Johann Heinrich Schmelzer is a fine work and one of the few choral works by this composer available on CD.

This recording should be considered by a wide range of music lovers - it represents the acme of 17th century Northern European sacred music.