Alongside Bach’s unaccompanied violin music, Biber’s Mystery Sonatas rank among the most challenging works in the Baroque violin repertoire. Biber’s experimentation with the violin remains unique, and although rarely heard as a collection, these fifteen sonatas are astonishingly powerful and deeply emotional. Tonight, Alexander Read (Principal Second Violinist, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal) joins forces with keyboardist Mélisande McNabney and cellist Elinor Frey for an evening devoted to these joyful, sorrowful, and glorious pieces. As an added feat, the violinist is required to modify the tuning of his instrument according to the sonata being played: Mr. Read will therefore be using four violins, one at a time!

Hearing the complete Mystery Sonatas is a rare and unique opportunity. Including two intermissions appropriately placed for your comfort , this experience will last approximately 3 hours.

• Alexander Readviolin
• Elinor Freycello
• Mélisande McNabneyharpsichord

Programme

Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber (1644–1704)
The Mystery Sonatas

The Joyful Mysteries:
The Annunciation
The Visitation
The Nativity
The Presentation of the Infant Jesus in the Temple
The Twelve-Year-Old Jesus in the Temple

Pause

The Sorrowful Mysteries:
The Agony in the Garden
The Scourging at the Pillar
Crowning with Thorns
The Carrying of the Cross
The Crucifixion

Pause

The Glorious Mysteries:
The Resurrection
The Ascension
Pentecost
The Assumption of the Virgin
The Coronation of the Virgin

H. I. F. von Biber
Passacaglia in G Minor

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This concert, part of Chamberfest’s Early Music Now series, is presented with the generous support of Nicole Presentey.