Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber: Mystery Sonatas

New Ondine release includes Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber's (1644–1704) 16 Mystery Sonatas, also known as Rosary Sonatas. This set of virtuosic violin sonatas is Biber's most well-known work. They also serve as unique masterpieces of the Baroque violin repertoire. In the present recording violinist Sirkka-Liisa Kaakinen-Pilch is joined by the Finnish Baroque ensemble Battalia. Biber's Mystery Sonatas feature 15 rosary mysteries from the life of Jesus and Virgin Mary. One of the most prominent characteristics of Biber's work is the use of various tunings, i.e. scordatura. Out of the sixteen sonatas, fourteen require the use of ‘mistuned' violin. Sirkka-Liisa Kaakinen-Pilch is nowadays in great demand as a leader of countless renowned early music ensembles and orchestras, performing music of the Baroque and symphonies of the age of Mozart and Schubert. Her solo repertoire includes works by Biber, Johann Sebastian Bach, and solo violin works of the 16th and 17th centuries. She also plays the viola and viola d'amore. Among her numerous tasks, she has also worked 10 years as the leader of Philippe Herreweghe's Co­llegium Vocale. Kaakinen-Pichl has also recorded a double-CD of Johann Sebastian Bach's solo violin sonatas and partitas for Ondine. Track Listing: Disc 1: Sonata I d-moll Sonata II A-Dur Sonata III h-moll Sonata IV d-moll Sonata V A-Dur Sonata VI c-moll Sonata VII F-Dur Sonata VIII B-Dur Sonata IX a-moll Sonata X g-moll Disc 2: Sonata XI G-Dur Sonata XII C-Dur Sonata XIII d-moll Sonata XIV D-Dur Sonata XV C-Dur Sonata XVI g-moll